News Summary
Huntington Beach is buzzing with political excitement as Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, launches his campaign for California governor ahead of the 2026 election. During a lively rally, he highlighted the accomplishments of local GOP leadership and shared his vision for addressing key issues like crime and inflation. As California’s political landscape heats up, Hilton aims to rally support against a competitive field of candidates, showcasing a hopeful yet ambitious goal of flipping California red in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Huntington Beach Gears Up for 2026 Gubernatorial Race
Huntington Beach buzzed with excitement on April 22, 2025, as the city welcomed a new face in the race for California governor. Steve Hilton, the 55-year-old Republican podcaster and former Fox News host, threw his hat into the ring, aiming for a significant political shift in the Golden State come 2026. The choice of Huntington Beach, a coastal city with a Republican City Council, perfectly set the stage for Hilton’s campaign launch.
A MAGA-nificent Start
Hilton kicked off his campaign by showering praise on the local GOP leaders for their impressive feat of flipping the City Council from a Democratic majority to an all-Republican team. Referring to them as the MAGA-nificent Seven, he touted their energetic spirit and resilience as a beacon of hope for Californians who yearn for change.
A Vision for California
At the lively rally held at Pier Plaza, Hilton laid out his vision for the state, sharing his determination to make Sacramento his home by 2027. He emphasized the need to tackle pressing issues like crime, inflation, and the overall cost of living—issues he blames on the leadership of California’s Democratic politicians, describing the state as a “Wuhan lab of far-left extremism.”
A Competitive Field Ahead
Hilton isn’t the only candidate looking to don the governor’s hat. The race is set to be heated, with fellow Republican Chad Bianco, Riverside County sheriff, also in the mix. Bianco is known for his defiance of state mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the Democratic side, notable figures like Toni Atkins, Xavier Becerra, and Katie Porter have declared their candidacies, while former Vice President Kamala Harris is mulling her decision about joining the race.
Hoping to Flip California Red
California hasn’t seen a Republican in a statewide office since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s second term in 2006, which makes Hilton’s endeavor even more ambitious. As he rallies support, he’s well-aware of the challenges ahead, yet he believes that the state’s unique jungle primary system could provide an opening for Republicans like him to advance to the general election.
Hilton’s Diverse Background
Making his mark in the U.S. since moving from England in 2012, Hilton became a U.S. citizen only in 2021 and resides in Atherton, California. His experience includes working for the British Conservative Party and advising former Prime Minister David Cameron. More recently, he founded Golden Together, a research group focused on improving California’s business climate and addressing issues related to homelessness, crime, and wildfires.
Real Solutions or Talk?
During his campaign launch, Hilton presented several key points, including a desire to eliminate state income tax for individuals earning under $100,000 annually. Emphasizing the importance of housing availability and accountability in education, he pledged to ensure that all students meet state standards in math and English, favoring education over what he calls “indoctrination.” He also raised eyebrows with the claim that California has the highest unemployment rate in the country, a statement that doesn’t align with widespread statistics.
Support and Energy at the Rally
The atmosphere at the rally was charged with energy, as supporters donned their Make America Great Again apparel, signalling the presence of loyal Trump followers in California. Hilton received endorsements from various notable figures and local council members, further solidifying his position in the race.
Looking Ahead
With the election still a bit away and many candidates making their moves, the stage is set for a thrilling political showdown in California. Hilton and the other contenders will need to step up their game as they aim to win over voters tired of the “status quo.” If Hilton’s message resonates, he just might have a real shot at making waves in the Golden State’s political landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Steve Hilton Governor Bid
- ABC News: Steve Hilton Joins Gubernatorial Race
- San Francisco Chronicle: Steve Hilton’s Campaign
- Orange County Register: Steve Hilton Running for Governor
- Wikipedia: Steve Hilton
