Former Fox News contributor, author, entrepreneur, and pundit Steve Hilton has thrown his hat into the ring and announced Monday that he will run as a Republican for California governor in ’26. He released a moving video on X describing his political journey, his past positions at the top levels of the British government, his move to California in 2012, and the immense pride he felt when he became a United States citizen.
I’ve seen Hilton speak, and he’s a passionate warrior and patriot who cares deeply about the Golden State and its horrendous decline under one-party rule.
“It’s time to make California Golden Again,” he said in his post:
It’s time to make California Golden Again ☀️ pic.twitter.com/unpY2f5Hv4
— Steve Hilton For Governor (@SteveHiltonShow) April 21, 2025
Luckily for all Californians, far-left Gov. Gavin Newsom will be termed out in ’26, and Hilton sees this as an opportunity to turn things around after the artfully-coiffed executive departs to what many expect will be a presidential run. (The thought of a President Newsom should send shivers down the spine of any thinking person.)
Hilton said in an interview that the state is barely recognizable:
The former Fox News contributor and author of “Califailure” said he’s hoping to “Make California Golden Again,” especially for the “working people” of the state.
“A big decision that I’ve made, which I can now share with you, that I am, in fact, going to be running for governor of California for 2026. I love this state. It’s the best place in the world as far as I’m concerned,” Hilton told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview.
“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,” he added.
I only have a slight quibble with Hilton’s statement: he said, “things are just gonna really start to deteriorate very rapidly” if we continue under one-party rule. I would just say, “gonna continue to deteriorate very rapidly.”
More: Steve Hilton Picks Apart Gavin Newsom’s Ambitions for a 2024 White House Bid
Former presidential candidate and current Ohio governor hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy was quick to endorse Hilton:
Steve Hilton represents American excellence. He’s a great entrepreneur & communicator, and he’ll be a dominant Governor of California. I’ve known him for years & enjoyed welcoming him to Ohio for our launch in Feb. He has my full endorsement. Victors, not victims, from
OH to CA. https://t.co/9rgKZ7sHc7— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) April 21, 2025
Certainly, it won’t be easy for the Republican in a one-party, deep blue state. Here is some of his potential competition:
Newsom is termed out, and candidates are lining up for a shot for his spot in Sacramento. On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Health and Human Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former Rep. Katie Porter are among the long list of names seeking the job. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has been on the campaign trail for the job.
Oddly, failed presidential candidate Kamala Harris is not mentioned in that list, but she’s been rumored to be considering a run. If she answers in the affirmative, it’s likely that many Democrats will decide not to go up against her.
After watching the progressives’ destruction of normal life in California since I moved here in 1992, I certainly hope Steve does get the chance to “make California Golden Again.”
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