In a bold move that reshapes California’s 2026 gubernatorial field, Steve Hilton — former Fox News host and political strategist — officially declared his candidacy for governor as a Republican. His announcement, made on social media platform X on April 21, sets the tone for what could become one of the most ideologically charged races in California’s recent political history.
Hilton’s campaign slogan, “Make California Golden Again,” is both an homage to the state’s storied past and a swipe at what he describes as the failures of prolonged Democratic control. “I think there’s nowhere better than California,” Hilton said in a recent interview with NPR, “but I think everyone can see things have gone off track.”
Citing high housing costs, burdensome taxes, and monopolistic influence from Bay Area tech giants, Hilton is launching his campaign on a platform centered around restoring economic sanity, structural balance, and bipartisan accountability.
It’s time to make California Golden Again.
We need some balance here after 15 years of Democrat one-party rule.
Positive, practical policies that actually help people, not ideological crusades.
It's why I am running for governor of California ☀️ pic.twitter.com/Vfu1T18zGR
— steve hilton (@SteveHiltonx) April 21, 2025
Hilton’s political journey is as transatlantic as it is unconventional. Originally from the UK, he served as Head of Strategy for former British Prime Minister David Cameron before relocating to California 14 years ago.
Known to American audiences for his role as host of The Next Revolution on Fox News (2017–2023), Hilton carved out a reputation as a populist reformer with libertarian leanings and sharp critiques of progressive governance.
His newly released book, Califailure: Reversing the Ruin of America’s Worst-Run State, outlines many of the policy positions that are expected to form the backbone of his campaign. From housing reform to educational overhaul, Hilton argues that California has not merely stumbled, but has been systematically mismanaged by what he calls “one-party rule.”
Hilton’s timing is strategic. As California awaits Vice President Kamala Harris’s decision on whether to enter the race — a move she’s expected to make by summer’s end — Hilton is positioning himself as a serious and policy-driven alternative.
“She’d bring a lot of attention to the race and the issues that California faces,” he told NPR, signaling a willingness to confront Harris directly if she enters the arena.
Despite the state’s deep blue electorate, Hilton remains undeterred. He believes voters across the spectrum are ready to have a serious conversation about results, not just rhetoric. “One-party rule is not healthy,” Hilton said plainly, “and I think a lot of people would agree with that.”