Steve Hilton leads immediate poll following initial California governor debate

California Gubernatorial Debate: Steve Hilton Stands Out

During California’s first gubernatorial debate on Tuesday, Steve Hilton reportedly made a strong impression according to a quick poll by Fox Local.

Interestingly, some viewers seemed surprised by Hilton’s performance, despite former Fox News personality also being noted as a top contender.

Hilton addressed his victory, stating, “I won the debate because I told the truth about the 16 years of Democratic failures—fraud, waste, corruption, and the escalating cost of living for everyday Californians,” when speaking to the California Post.

In a field of seven candidates, Hilton was the sole Republican, and data showed that 53 percent of respondents felt he made the best impression in the debate’s first half. The rest of the responses went to the Democratic candidates, with Matt Mahan, a newcomer, following in second place with 17%.

After the debate, Hilton commented on the similarity among the Democratic candidates, saying, “They all sounded alike, echoing the same themes we currently see.” He emphasized that Californians are growing weary of the status quo.

“We’ve had enough. That’s why the discussions we’re having now are so encouraging, especially our strong fundraising with many small donors,” he remarked.

His campaign reported raising nearly $6 million, a significant amount garnered from 30,000 individual donors, making him a notable candidate alongside self-funded Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer.

Hilton further expressed optimism about the momentum stemming from the debate, stating, “This is great news for everyone in California.”

On the topic of his experience, he mentioned, “Unlike some of my Democratic counterparts, I haven’t held office before. My focus has always been on results—whether that’s running a business or working in government to effect change.”

He also criticized the current governor, labeling the state’s taxes excessively high. “When we arrive in Sacramento, we’re prepared to dismantle this burdensome bureaucracy,” he asserted, adding that he intends to tackle the system with zeal.