Republican conservative commentator Steve Hilton said his chances of advancing to the November runoff in the California governor race are looking good.
This race represents a potential shift in power for the most populous state in the U.S. Hilton is positioning himself as a challenger to the long-standing Democratic control of the governor's office, aiming to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Hilton, a former British political adviser, said that early returns show him among the leaders following the primary election held on June 2, 2026 [1]. He has campaigned on the premise that the state requires a fundamental change in leadership after years of one-party rule.
"My chances are looking good," Hilton said [2].
The primary field was crowded, with about 60 candidates appearing on the ballot for the governor's seat [3]. This high volume of candidates often splits the vote, making the path to the general election runoff more complex for those seeking to unseat an incumbent.
Hilton has framed his candidacy as a necessary correction for the state's political direction. He said, "I would give the famously liberal state a badly needed reset" [4].
The results of the June 2 primary will determine which two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will face each other in the November general election [1]. Hilton's ability to secure a top-two spot would mark a significant milestone for the Republican party in a state that has leaned heavily Democratic for decades.
“"My chances are looking good."”
Under California's 'top-two' primary system, the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party. If Hilton successfully advances, it could set up a high-profile ideological clash in November, testing whether a conservative 'reset' has enough broad appeal to overcome the state's deep Democratic registration advantage.
