Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 10, 2024 4:01 am GMT
Former Fox News Host Steve Hilton Weighs Run for California Governor in 2026
Former Fox News host Steve Hilton is reportedly contemplating a campaign for governor of California in the 2026 election, according to a recent report from POLITICO. If he decides to enter the race, Hilton would position himself as a major Republican contender to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who will have completed his term by then.
Background on Steve Hilton
Steve Hilton, a well-known figure in conservative media, has been making waves in California’s political landscape. Before joining Fox News as a writer in 2016, Hilton served as a senior policy and strategy advisor to former United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron. His political insights were showcased on his Fox News program, “The Next Revolution,” which he launched in 2017 but ended in 2022. Although his show has concluded, Hilton continues to be a contributor at Fox News and remains engaged through various media appearances, including regular segments on KMJ radio with host Ray Appleton.
Pursuing the California Dream
Hilton’s potential candidacy is rooted in his work with Golden Together, a bipartisan think tank he founded that aims to restore the “California Dream.” While he has not made any formal announcements regarding his campaign, Hilton’s involvement with this organization hints at his commitment to addressing the issues facing California, particularly from a conservative perspective.
The GOP Landscape for 2026
If Hilton runs for governor, he will face a crowded field of candidates. As of now, the only officially declared Republican contender in the 2026 race is Leo Zacky, the Vice President of Zacky Farms. In June, a coalition of Republican leaders urged Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to consider entering the race, although Bianco has not yet announced his decision. With a lack of major Republican candidates thus far, Hilton’s entry could significantly impact the GOP dynamics in California.
Democratic Contenders Emerge
Meanwhile, several high-profile Democrats are already jockeying for position to replace Newsom. Key candidates include:
- Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis
- Former Senate President pro tempore Toni Atkins
- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond
- Former Controller Betty Yee
- Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Furthermore, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra are also reportedly considering their own runs, adding to the competitive landscape for the Democrats.
Support and Endorsements
Jim Brulte, former California Republican Party Chair and state Senate GOP leader, confirmed to POLITICO that Hilton is exploring a run for governor. Brulte stated, “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.”
What This Means for California Politics
Hilton’s potential candidacy could signal a shift for the Republican Party in California, a state where Republicans have struggled to win statewide elections in recent years. If he does decide to run, it will be essential to watch how he navigates the political landscape, particularly given the strong presence of Democratic candidates and the challenges they bring.
As California approaches the 2026 election, heightened interest and speculation surrounding potential candidates will continue to unfold. Whether Hilton can galvanize Republican support and mount a serious challenge against an array of Democratic contenders remains to be seen.
If you want to learn more about the changing politics in California, you can check out POLITICO for detailed news and analysis.
