Former Fox News host and political strategist Steve Hilton is running for governor of California with an endorsement from former President Donald Trump [1].
Hilton's candidacy represents a push to bring a conservative agenda to the most populous state in the U.S. While he carries the support of the former president, his ability to consolidate the state's Republican establishment remains a primary challenge in a highly competitive race.
On Jan. 14, 2026, Hilton said to reporters in Huntington Beach, California [1, 2]. The event served as a platform to outline his vision for the state. Despite the high-profile endorsement from Trump, reports indicate that some California Republicans did not rally behind Hilton as the former president requested [3].
The gubernatorial race is exceptionally crowded, with 61 candidates currently vying for the office [4]. This fragmentation of the field complicates the path for any single candidate to secure a dominant lead before the general election.
Polling data for the race has shown volatility. Some reports suggest Hilton has led in various polls, though other data indicates that Xavier Becerra is gaining ground on him [5]. The shifting numbers reflect a fluid political environment as the candidates attempt to build coalitions across the state's diverse demographics.
Hilton, who has roots in the United Kingdom, is leveraging his background in media and political strategy to appeal to conservative voters [6]. His campaign focuses on shifting the political direction of California away from its current trajectory.
“Steve Hilton is running for governor of California with an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.”
The entry of Steve Hilton into the California governor's race highlights the ongoing tension between the national GOP leadership and state-level party establishments. While Trump's endorsement provides significant name recognition and a base of loyal supporters, the reported resistance from state Republicans suggests a divide in strategy on how to win in a deeply blue state. The sheer number of candidates further increases the likelihood of a split vote, potentially benefiting the Democratic frontrunner.
