Hilton Advances in California Gubernatorial Race

Steve Hilton has successfully moved forward from California’s crowded primary, which featured over 20 candidates, and will now compete in the November runoff against Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra in the race for governor of California.

With around 89% of votes counted, the candidate endorsed by Trump garnered about 2.1 million votes, accounting for 25% of the total votes. Becerra, on the other hand, received approximately 2.4 million votes, or 27.9%, according to the Associated Press.

Born in London, Hilton relocated to the Bay Area in 2012 after serving as a senior advisor to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron of the Conservative Party. He became a U.S. citizen in May 2021, taking the oath of allegiance during a naturalization ceremony in San Francisco.

“If we truly want to change the government, you need the ability to think differently, the courage to challenge conventional thought, and the conviction to see it through,” Hilton shared on his campaign website. “I aim to restore the California Dream for everyone and make this beautiful state golden again.”

Hilton highlighted his past opposition to pandemic-related lockdowns and school closures, along with his concerns about America’s dependence on China and his push for healthier school meals. He views these as moments where he diverged from mainstream California liberals, aiming to reshape public opinion.

Furthermore, he is committed to “bringing back the starter home” through significant deregulation and incentives. His strategy includes making starter-home construction more profitable, expediting local development approvals, and putting a five-year freeze on new housing regulations. He also proposed creating a Governor’s Housing Expediter to cut through bureaucratic delays, along with a dedicated loan program for first-time homebuyers.

This initiative is part of his broader “Califordable” campaign, which also impacts his tax policy. His proposals include eliminating taxes on tips, abolishing the state income tax for lower-income households, scrapping the $800 small business tax, and instituting a flat 7.5% income tax for other families instead of a tiered system.

Trump endorsed Hilton back in April, stating he is a “truly fine man.”

As the state has experienced a Republican void in the governor’s office since Arnold Schwarzenegger departed in 2011, November 3, 2026, could be a pivotal moment for the GOP in California as voters head to the polls for this high-stakes election.