Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is positioning California as a state filled with untapped promise that has been mismanaged by Democratic control as he campaigns to become the first GOP governor in over a decade and a half.
“We have a responsibility to revive California so it is once again that symbol of everything that is great about our nation: energy and optimism and ambition,” he declared Tuesday during an election night address in Southern California.
By Wednesday, Hilton expressed confidence about advancing to the November general election while ballots were still being tallied. California’s primary system places all contenders on one ballot regardless of party affiliation, with the top two vote-getters moving forward to the general election.
As of Wednesday afternoon, The Associated Press had not declared a winner in the primary race. Early results showed Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra in the lead, with Democrat Tom Steyer trailing close behind. California typically sees significant ballot updates following Election Day as mail-in and drop-off votes arrive and get processed, sometimes altering election results.
Hilton, who lacks experience in elected positions, has vowed to shake up the state’s established political system, which he claims has abandoned Californians who cannot afford living costs in the notoriously pricey state. The candidate is relatively new to both California politics and California itself. He relocated to the state in 2012 from the United Kingdom, where he served as an advisor to Conservative Party leaders including former Prime Minister David Cameron. He hosted a Fox News program from 2017 to 2023 and obtained U.S. citizenship in 2021.
Should Hilton make it to November, he confronts significant challenges in a state that last elected a Republican governor when Arnold Schwarzenegger departed office in 2011. Currently, Democrats represent 45% of registered voters while Republicans account for just 25%. Despite these statistics, Hilton maintains he can overcome the odds.
“When people say, ‘How are you going to win in California as a Republican?’ My question is, how will a Democrat win based on the record that they are putting before the people?” he questioned reporters outside the state Capitol on Wednesday.
His campaign platform includes commitments to reduce costs across sectors from gasoline to housing, cut income taxes, establish a loan program for first-time homebuyers, and maintain current in-state tuition rates at public universities.
Another potential hurdle in attracting voters outside the typical Republican base comes from President Donald Trump’s backing.
“I know Steve — He is a hard driving WINNER, and he will turn California around, quickly — and the Federal Government will be there, with him, to help!” Trump wrote in a social media post.
Though Trump’s endorsement likely strengthened Hilton’s Republican primary support, it may prove problematic in November given the president’s low approval ratings in a state he frequently criticizes. Throughout primary debates and campaign events, Hilton has downplayed Trump’s endorsement since receiving it in April. However, he indicated enthusiasm about potentially having a cooperative federal partner if elected.
“It’s about, what does that endorsement mean for the practical things we can get?” Hilton explained Wednesday, noting he would collaborate with federal authorities to attempt lowering gas prices and eliminating government waste to enable tax reductions.
Hilton’s pledge to restore the state to an undefined era when conditions were better for most residents echoes Trump’s familiar “Make America Great Again” message.
During the primary campaign, Hilton competed against Republican Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, for GOP support.
In the campaign’s closing phase, Hilton cautioned about the potential for Becerra and Steyer to both advance to the general election, eliminating Republican representation. Becerra highlighted his extensive political background as evidence of his leadership capabilities, while Steyer emphasized his progressive advocacy record to show how he would support struggling families.
However, Hilton argued that neither opponent would change the established order following years of Democratic governance.
“The progressive experiment in governance — we can see the results. It’s a disappointment all around,” he stated. “I don’t know how much longer we have to wait for this experiment to actually work.”
