Former Fox News star Steve Hilton, longtime cable news host and ex-policy adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, is seriously considering a run for California governor in 2026.
This move could potentially inject new energy into the state’s Republican Party and challenge the long-standing Democratic dominance in Sacramento — a surprising development that could reshape California’s political landscape that has been dominated by Democrats for decades.
Multiple sources close to Hilton have confirmed his interest succeeding Governor Gavin Newsom, whose term ends in 2026.
“He is thinking very seriously about running for governor and he is doing it in a very organized way. I know he’s talking to a lot of the right people because I have heard from a lot of the right people that he’s talking to them,” Jim Brulte, the former California Republican Party chair and GOP leader of the state Senate, told Politico.
Hilton’s potential run comes at a time when California faces many serious challenges, including rising crime rates, an out-of-control homelessness crisis, and skyrocketing housing costs.
These issues have created an opening for candidates who can offer fresh perspectives and solutions outside the failed Democratic playbook that has totally dominated state politics for decades.
Hilton has been a regular critic of Newsom and the Democratic Party in California, which could raise his profile significantly.
Take a look —
At the Convention Nancy Pelosi and Gavin Newsom smugly patted themselves on the back over what a great job they've done – but the Kamala Harris policy agenda has been a disaster in California, giving us the highest unemployment, highest poverty rate, and worst housing crisis.… pic.twitter.com/SmHFn33mtt
— steve hilton (@SteveHiltonx) August 26, 2024
The Silicon Valley entrepreneur, who has been increasing his public appearances and focus on California public policy, has already caught the attention of tech industry leaders. Chamath Palihapitiya, a billionaire venture capitalist, praised Hilton as “a no-BS person who cuts to the heart of issues no matter how uncomfortable the truth is,” adding that his approach “could be really refreshing at the right moment in California.”
Hilton’s policy-focused approach is evident in his recent activities.
He has been actively involved with his conservative advocacy group, Golden Together, which aims to “restore the California Dream.” The organization has released white papers addressing critical state issues, including improving the business climate, creating water abundance, and ending the housing shortage.
While Hilton and his team have not officially commented on his potential candidacy, his increased involvement in state politics and his reputation as a “positive populist” have fueled speculation about his intentions. Hilton, who became a U.S. citizen in 2021, has lived in California since 2012 and has been cultivating relationships with key political figures and potential donors in the state.
The 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be the most wide-open contest in recent memory.
On the Democratic side, several high-profile candidates have already expressed interest in running. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Controller Betty Yee, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra are all rumored to be considering bids.
Hilton’s potential entry into the race could provide a significant boost to the California Republican Party, which has not held the governor’s office since Arnold Schwarzenegger left in 2011.
His background in tech and his ability to appeal to voters frustrated with the status quo, particularly in the tech-heavy Bay Area, could give him a winning hand.
However, Hilton would face significant challenges in a state where Democrats hold a huge voter registration advantage.
The outcome his potential campaign would depend on numerous factors — specifically, voters’ appetite for change after years of failed Democratic leadership.