Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, announced his candidacy for California governor, becoming the second prominent Republican in the race for 2026. The state has not elected a Republican to a statewide office since 2006. With Governor Gavin Newsom unable to run due to term limits, the race is competitive, drawing interest from Democrats and Republican Chad Bianco. Hilton aims to shift focus from cultural issues to business regulations, living costs, crime, and homelessness, hoping to capitalize on shifts in voter sentiment observed in the 2024 elections.
Mr. Hilton's campaign may find momentum in California's changing political climate, particularly as voters shifted towards Republicans in the recent 2024 election, flipping 10 counties.
With Governor Gavin Newsom reaching term limits, the California gubernatorial race is wide open, creating an opportunity for candidates like Hilton amid the stateâs Democratic dominance.
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