Summary (tl;dr)

Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for California governor, is trending as the state holds its primary election today, with Hilton in a tight race to secure one of two spots for the November general election.

Essential Background

Steve Hilton is a British-American conservative political commentator and former director of strategy for former British Prime Minister David Cameron. He later became a Fox News host, known for his "positive populism" and support for Donald Trump. Hilton became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and officially launched his campaign for California Governor as a Republican candidate on April 21, 2025. He has been endorsed by Donald Trump and has focused his campaign on issues such as high taxes, cost of living, homelessness, and what he views as detrimental Democratic policies in California. California operates under a "top-two" primary system, where the two candidates with the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election.

The Full Story

Today, June 2, 2026, California is holding its gubernatorial primary election, and Steve Hilton is a prominent Republican candidate in a highly competitive race to advance to the November general election. Recent polls indicate a tight three-way contest between Hilton, Democrat Xavier Becerra, and Democrat Tom Steyer for the two available spots. Hilton's campaign, branded "Califordable," centers on tackling the state's cost-of-living crisis through proposals like reducing gas and electricity bills, eliminating state income tax for earnings under $100,000, and addressing housing affordability. He has also criticized what he calls 16 years of "one-party rule" by Democrats in Sacramento, arguing it has led to high taxes, the highest poverty and unemployment rates in the country, and poor educational outcomes. Hilton's strategy involves consolidating the Republican vote, urging supporters to back him to ensure a Republican secures a spot in the general election against a Democratic opponent.

Why It Matters

Steve Hilton's performance in the California gubernatorial primary is significant because it tests the viability of a Republican candidate in a predominantly Democratic state, especially one endorsed by former President Donald Trump. His campaign's focus on affordability and criticism of current state governance resonates with a segment of the California electorate frustrated with the high cost of living and other issues. If Hilton secures a spot in the top two, it would set the stage for a high-profile general election battle, potentially offering voters a stark choice between his conservative, "Califordable" platform and the more progressive agendas of his Democratic opponents. His success or failure could indicate broader trends in voter sentiment regarding state-level governance and the enduring influence of national political figures in local races.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (campaign events and interviews)
• Burbank, Los Angeles County, California, United States (campaign stop and interview)
• Huntington Beach, Orange County, California, United States (campaign announcement and primary day campaign stop)
• Claremont, Los Angeles County, California, United States (gubernatorial debate)
• Santa Ana, Orange County, California, United States (affordability town hall)
• Sacramento, Sacramento County, California, United States (criticism of state government and policies)
• San Francisco, San Francisco County, California, United States (San Francisco Chronicle reporting on the race)