Key Highlights
- Steve Hilton, a British-born dual U.S.-U.K. citizen and former political adviser, is unexpectedly running for California governor.
- Hilton’s campaign emphasizes measured promises of pragmatic change and working with the state’s Democratic majority.
- The state’s primary system allows top two vote-getters to face off in November, regardless of party affiliation.
- Hilton advocates for reduced bureaucracy and a more collaborative approach on key issues like immigration.
California’s Unexpected Upset: Steve Hilton’s Bid for Governor
Steve Hilton is no stranger to controversy. A British-born dual U.S.-U.K. citizen, he once served under Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron before becoming a Fox News personality. Now, Hilton has thrown his hat into the ring for California governor in 2026—a bid that defies all expectations.
A Political Contrarian
Hilton’s resumé is an anomaly in today’s political landscape. His campaign is built on measured promises to make life easier at a granular level and pledges of cooperation with the state’s Democratic majority. This approach stands in stark contrast to Trump’s preference for disruptors, making Hilton unique even in the tumultuous field of California politics.
“We’ve had 16 years of one-party rule, and the results are in,” Hilton says bluntly. “People are sensing that there’s an energy for change this year.” His emphasis on collaboration with Democrats like Attorney General Xavier Becerra and billionaire activist Tom Steyer sets him apart from many traditional GOP candidates.
Grumblings Against Progressive Governance
The traditional political alliances in California are frayed, as illustrated by a mix of candidates supporting a billionaire, backing immigrants, and pushing through ambitious progressive policies. Hilton capitalizes on these divisions, arguing that the state’s current governance is failing to deliver results.
“The fix is pretty straightforward: stop doing stupid things and just lift this massive burden that everyone is laboring under in California,” he asserts. His platform includes no more state income tax for the first $100,000 of income, gas down to $3 a gallon, electric bills cut by half, small-business taxes reduced, and aggressive downsizing on climate change efforts.
Challenges Ahead
Despite his unique position, Hilton faces significant hurdles. He must navigate the Democratic-controlled state legislature, which is unlikely to back most of his campaign promises. His strategy includes slowing down decision-making processes through vetoes, potentially putting lawmakers on record.
Hilton believes that “The election of a Republican Governor will change the dynamic.” While his platform is clear and specific, achieving these goals in a heavily Democratic state won’t be easy. “These are not controversial things,” he concludes, emphasizing that while people might disagree on the means to get there, the ends are practical.
For now, Hilton focuses on Tuesday’s first round of voting. Whether his pragmatic approach resonates with voters remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: California’s gubernatorial race has taken an unexpected turn.
