Steve Hilton, recognized for his past tenure with Fox News and conservative politics in the United Kingdom, threw his hat into the ring on Monday, intending to become the next governor of California. As the latest high-profile Republican to join the race, he is bracing for daunting competition within the Democrat-dominant state. His intentions to cut bureaucratic red tape are purportedly aimed at making California more welcoming to businesses and easing the living expenses.
Hilton, taking the spotlight with Michael Gates, Huntington Beach’s city attorney, exhibits an attempt to carve a niche for himself. He is not the first Republican to have taken steps into the 2026 gubernatorial race, although considering the long-standing blue-leaning voters, the Republican stake in California politics remains an uphill battle with Schwarzenegger’s re-election in 2006 being the last such milestone.
The outgoing governor, Gavin Newsom, is restrained by term limits, which has thrown open the gates for what promises to be a competitive race. Names from the Democratic party have already started to emerge, including Chad Bianco, Riverside County’s Republican sheriff. Yet, the race runs under an aura of anticipation, stalled to see what decision Kamala Harris, ex-Vice President, will take.
Pundits predict that if Harris declares her candidacy, it could lead to the withdrawal of several Democrats, their decision grounded in respect for Harris’s flag-bearing role in last year’s presidential race. This magnanimous gesture, however, seems unlikely to grab the attention of Republican contenders, who will arguably be all too eager to engage with the former vice-president.
At 55, Hilton’s political background is tinted with supportive actions for Donald J. Trump. Even so, his recent media occurrences present a shift of focus from cultural topics to issues that underpin the state’s economic backbone. His intentions now lie with lowering the cost burdens on Californian firms, making life in the expensive state more affordable, tackling the crime rates, and addressing the rampant homelessness.
California continues to stay largely Democratic, a fact that should inherently surprise no one. Yet, riding on the wave of last year’s electoral shift, Hilton might be nursing hopes of a political edge. After all, in 2024, Trump managed the tricky feat of flipping ten counties in his favor that he had lost in 2020. Additionally, the populace voted heavily in favor of a proposal simplifying the process to try theft and drug-related misdemeanors.
With Harris potentially entering the fray, it may amuse the Republican candidates more than intimidate. Their eagerness to test their mettle against the former vice president could serve to highlight the party’s confidence, or perhaps, willingness to challenge her policies, which seem comfortably nestled within the Democratic comfort zone.
Hilton’s aspirations to cut regulations could be viewed as a hopeful silver lining for those consumed by the administrative maze that currently plagues businesses. However, keeping California’s Democratic leanings in mind, there is a long road ahead for Hilton, for his aspirations to become a reality.
Even in the face of gubernatorial challenges, Hilton seems undeterred, focusing his efforts on driving down costs and regulations that are currently handcuffing businesses. In doing so, he hopes to offer California go-getters a more vibrant and conducive environment.
Of significant importance to Hilton’s campaign is his emphasis on the reduction of cost of living in California. His vision promotes a future where the state’s citizens can comfortably sustain themselves without excessive financial strain.
In Hilton’s envisioned California, crime and homelessness also take center stage. With appropriate policies and strong law enforcement, he aims to introduce a safer, homelessness-free environment for Californian residents.
The inclusion of Kamala Harris in the race could see a knee-jerk reaction from the Republican hopefuls who would use the opportunity to pit their policies against what they would likely consider ‘failed Democratic strategies’.
While the odds are stacked against him, Hilton has not shied away from espousing his support for the former President, Donald J. Trump. This could, in a way, help distinguish his campaign from the Democratic ones carrying a different vision.
The shift in voter preference in the 2024 election across several Californian counties indicates changes in the political winds, and this could be a beacon of hope for Hilton.
Hilton’s entry into the race brings with it a fresh wave of potential change for Californian businesses, residents, and enforcement agencies. Whether it will sweep the state along remains to be seen.
Ultimately, Hilton’s vision for a California with trimmed-down regulations, reduced living costs, modest crime rates and a solution to the homelessness problem could define his campaign. However, faced with a Democratic-leaning electorate, achieving this vision will arguably be a substantial challenge.