Steve Hilton Runs for California Governor: Latest Updates as of April 23, 2025

Steve Hilton who previously worked as a Fox News host and Silicon Valley entrepreneur and served as an advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron announced his bid for California governorship on April 21, 2025 for the 2026 election. As a Republican candidate in California Hilton aims to break 15 years of Democratic control and bring back the “California Dream” yet his campaign shows some progress with conservative voters while facing major obstacles because no Republican has won the governorship since Schwarzenegger in 2006. JV Political hosts this blog which examines Hilton’s campaign progress and policy plans together with SEO strategies for ranking #1 on Google for “Steve Hilton California governor 2025.”

Who Is Steve Hilton?

At 55 years old, Hilton was born in London to parents who escaped Hungary during the 1956 revolution and has built a diverse career across politics, media, and technology. Upon completing his studies at Oxford he joined the UK’s Conservative Party and served as David Cameron’s main strategist between 2010 and 2012. The barefoot T-shirt-clad Hilton earned mixed nicknames as some called him a “visionary disruptor” while others referred to him as a “pint-sized Rasputin”. After relocating to California’s Atherton in 2012 he acquired U.S. citizenship in 2021 and hosted Fox News’ The Next Revolution until 2023. Hilton established both the tech firm Crowdpac and the policy organization Golden Together to concentrate on reestablishing California’s economic success.

In Hilton’s social media video announcement he expresses both his affection for California and his disappointment with its downward trajectory under Democratic control. Through his “Golden Again” campaign he vowed to restore California to its former glory by promising Americans great jobs and homes along with great opportunities for their children.

Campaign Launch and Early Momentum

Hilton began his political campaign with a rally on April 22, 2025, in Huntington Beach and attracted hundreds of attendees who wore “Make America Great Again” hats. The event gained support from local pastors and conservative figures which showed his strong connection to the GOP base. The early support for Hilton’s run gains momentum through social media where users push pastors to conduct prayer sessions for his campaign. The results of the recent poll showed that nearly half of likely voters would entertain the option of supporting a Republican candidate which represents an opportunity for Hilton in a state that is exasperated with homelessness and high tax rates.

Endorsements have bolstered his campaign. Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy called Hilton a “great entrepreneur & communicator” who could function as a “dominant Governor”.

Key Policy Proposals

Hilton’s platform, detailed in his book Califailure: The book Califailure: Reversing the Ruin of America’s Worst-Run State presents practical populist policies to overcome the state’s challenges. He proposes:

Tax Relief: The policy initiative would remove state income tax for those earning less than $100,000 to help working families lessen their financial burdens.

Deregulation: Hilton seeks to reduce business regulations to decrease costs and draw companies to California because he believes the state’s high taxes and complex regulations prevent growth.

Housing and Homelessness: His Golden Together group has proposed policy reforms to speed up housing construction while resolving homelessness within the state.

Public Safety: The proposal to make crime policies more rigorous takes advantage of the 2024 voter base that supports stricter theft and drug legislation.

Education: The public education system requires reform to focus on parental choice and student achievement.

His policies embody “positive populism” to attract both conservatives and moderate voters who are dissatisfied with Democratic leadership.

Challenges in a Democratic Stronghold

California’s political landscape poses significant hurdles. The state legislature is controlled by Democrats through a supermajority while Republicans have failed to secure any statewide office win since 2006. Prominent Democrats Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, and Antonio Villaraigosa have entered the crowded 2026 race field while Kamala Harris reportedly assesses her options to join. Hilton has a minimal opportunity to advance to the general election through California’s top-two primary system when Democratic voters divide their support among multiple candidates.

Hilton’s backing of Trump through his 2016 endorsement and demands for a 2020 election probe risks estranging moderate voters within a state that handed Trump a substantial defeat in 2024, even though he succeeded in flipping 10 counties. Hilton’s political strategy avoids divisive cultural debates as it concentrates on economic and lifestyle issues yet faces substantial challenges to surmount the Democratic party’s voter registration lead.

Competition Within the GOP

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco stands as the leading Republican contender in the election having raised over $380,000 and drawing conservative support through his opposition to lockdowns and strong crime policies. Bianco’s local law enforcement reputation stands apart from Hilton’s media and technology background creating a divide for GOP base support. Hilton’s national reputation and Silicon Valley ties provide fundraising advantages yet Bianco’s grassroots backing in conservative regions such as the Inland Empire presents a possibility of vote splitting.

Kamala Harris: A Potential Game-Changer

As a former California senator who is the Democratic presidential nominee for 2024, Harris functions as a wildcard in the political arena. Hilton has attacked her political career as unsuccessful while describing her governorship run as a fallback option and expressed readiness to confront her candidacy. Harris’ potential campaign could capitalize on her strong name recognition and Democratic support while Hilton aims to gain a top-two primary position through a divided Democratic candidate field.

Conclusion

The California governor campaign of Steve Hilton has become an ambitious effort to break Democratic control starting April 23, 2025. Steve Hilton’s “Golden Again” plan which focuses on tax relief and deregulation attracts conservative voters and moderate support yet struggles to gain traction within California’s Democratic stronghold. Hilton stands to write history through strategic campaigning amid the Democratic field’s fragmentation. Follow JV Political for updates on the 2026 race and use #CAGov2026 to share your thoughts on social media.

Sources

The New York Times: Steve Hilton who used to host Fox News has decided to run for California governor.

POLITICO: Steve Hilton who used to host on Fox News has announced his candidacy for California governor.

Los Angeles Times: Commentator Steve Hilton declares he will run for the position of California governor according to the Los Angeles Times.

ABC News: The former Fox News host Steve Hilton has announced his candidacy for California governor.

Fox News: Steve Hilton announces his campaign for California governor with Fox News as his news source.

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