Steve Hilton, former Fox News host and adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, has announced his candidacy for California governor in 2026. Hilton is positioning himself as a reform-minded conservative aiming to end 15 years of Democratic dominance in the Golden State with a platform focused on job creation, housing reform and what he calls “positive populism.”
Hilton’s campaign leverages his brand, drawing support from conservative figures like Vivek Ramaswamy, while criticizing Democratic supermajorities in Sacramento for California’s challenges, such as its high poverty rate — 19.2% adjusted for cost of living, per the Public Policy Institute of California.
“I love this state. It’s the best place in the world as far as I’m concerned,” Hilton told KTLA. “But after 15 years of one-party rule, this state is barely recognizable. And I honestly think that the 2026 election in California is a life-or-death moment because if we continue with this one-party rule by the Democrats, things are just gonna really start to deteriorate very rapidly.” (RELATED: Stephen Miller Clashes With Fox News Host Over Deportation Case)
Fox News reported on the launch of Hilton’s campaign, highlighting a significant endorsement for the conservative commentator:
The media personality was quickly endorsed by former presidential candidate and current Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
“Steve Hilton represents American excellence. He’s a great entrepreneur & communicator, and he’ll be a dominant Governor of California,” Ramaswamy posted to X on Monday afternoon. “I’ve known him for years & enjoyed welcoming him to Ohio for our launch in Feb. He has my full endorsement.”
Hilton was born in the U.K. and graduated from New College at Oxford. He served as a senior advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was the leader of the Conservative Party.
“[California] really reminds me of Britain in the 1970s. The UK was called the ‘sick man of Europe’, Hilton explained in a campaign announcement video obtained by Fox News Digital. “There’s no other way of looking at California today than the ‘sick man of America’.”
His entry into the race comes amid a competitive Republican field, which includes Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. A wildcard possibility looms in the form of former Vice President Kamala Harris, whose rumored interest in a gubernatorial run underscores the state’s deeply polarized political landscape, where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2-to-1. (RELATED: Judge Rejects California’s Attempt To Block City’s Voter ID Law)
As of 2025, no Republican has won the California governorship since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s reelection in 2006. However, Republicans have occasionally punched above their weight in special and midterm elections, when overall turnout tends to be lower.
While California’s political landscape remains challenging for GOP candidates, the 2026 election will serve as a key test of whether shifting voter sentiment or a recalibrated campaign strategy can disrupt the state’s long-running Democratic dominance.
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Good luck Steve Hilton.
Wow, California could hit pay-dirt again with Hilton! He would be terrific; a real mess-cleaner-upper! People of CA: if you ever want to take your state out of the hell that it is in now, you have your chance with Hilton.
Hooray Yes
Unfortunately, I do not live in California, but if I did, I would 100% vote for Steve Hilton as Governor! He is brilliant, super articulate and full of common sense! Californians – get your dying state back in order. Vote for Mr. Hilton!