Huntington Beach, California, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Steve Hilton has announced his campaign for California governor, aiming to reverse policies by Gavin Newsom that he argues have harmed the state’s business environment. During his campaign launch at Huntington Beach, Hilton emphasized the need for reforms in taxation, housing, and education. While receiving support from notable Trump allies, he faces challenges due to California’s historical political landscape where Republican candidates have struggled to win elections. Hilton’s proposals include eliminating the state income tax for certain residents and opposing environmental regulations.
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has officially announced his campaign, focusing on reversing the business policies implemented by Governor Gavin Newsom. Hilton criticized Newsom’s leadership and the state’s business environment during a recent podcast interview, where he emphasized that many companies are leaving California, according to a report from the Public Policy Institute of California. He labeled the governor’s social media presence and the overall business climate as “pathetic.”
During his first major campaign event at Huntington Beach pier, Hilton claimed that California Democrats’ leadership has effectively destroyed the “California dream.” He accused them of enacting policies that have led to declining living standards, referring to the state as an “ideological experiment” falling into “far-left extremism.” The candidate expressed that his personal experiences motivated his run for governor, driven by a desire for meaningful change in California.
Hilton is proposing several key policies, including the removal of the state income tax for residents earning $100,000 or less, construction of more affordable housing, and strategies for improving student performance in public schools. He also criticized the Green New Deal and California’s ban on new gas-powered cars that will take effect in 2035, linking these issues to the challenges facing the state.
However, he faced scrutiny regarding his claims about California’s unemployment rate, asserting it was the highest in the nation. Recent figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that some other states might actually have higher rates. Despite this misstep, Hilton has garnered endorsements from notable Trump allies, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk.
The upcoming election will adopt a jungle primary system, allowing the top two candidates to move to the general election. This could provide an opportunity for Republicans, particularly if Democrats fracture their votes. Historically, statewide Republicans have struggled to win elections in California since 2006, yet state Republicans view Hilton as an appealing candidate.
Hilton’s background includes being the son of Hungarian immigrants who fled during a revolution. After working in politics and business consulting, he moved to California and became a U.S. citizen in 2021. He has been vocal about his criticism of pandemic-related shutdowns. Furthermore, he founded Golden Together, a research group aimed at addressing California’s challenges, including the business climate, homelessness, crime, affordable housing, and wildfires.
In his campaign, Hilton suggested that the current political landscape could lead to a divided Democratic vote, which may aid a Republican candidate in securing a spot in the general election. He highlights that many issues affecting California are not just local problems but have repercussions that resonate nationwide, advocating for practical solutions that directly tackle everyday concerns of Californians rather than getting caught up in ideological disputes.
Key Campaign Proposals
- Elimination of the state income tax for residents earning $100,000 or less.
- Greater investment in affordable housing.
- Improved performance standards for public schools.
- Opposition to the Green New Deal and the ban on new gas-powered cars by 2035.
Political Landscape
- Jungle primary system allows the top two candidates to advance to the general election.
- Historical trend shows statewide Republicans losing elections since 2006.
- Hilton aims to capitalize on possible Democratic vote division.
Background Context
Steve Hilton’s candidacy emerges from a backdrop of declining business sentiments in California and criticism of current leadership. The Public Policy Institute of California’s findings reflect growing concerns among businesses regarding the state’s environment, prompting Hilton’s focus on reform and economic revitalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Steve Hilton’s objective as a gubernatorial candidate?
- Hilton’s campaign focuses on reversing Gavin Newsom’s business policies and improving California’s business climate.
- What are some of Hilton’s key proposals for California?
- Some key proposals include removing the state income tax for residents earning $100,000, building more affordable housing, and improving public school performance.
- Who has endorsed Hilton’s campaign?
- Hilton has received endorsements from Trump allies including Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk.
- What challenges does Hilton face in his campaign?
- Hilton must contend with California’s historical trend of Republican candidates losing statewide elections since 2006.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- SJV Sun: Hilton Vows to End the Nightmare of Doing Business in California
- LA Times: Conservative Commentator Steve Hilton Governor
- NY Times: Steve Hilton Is Running for California Governor
- Fox Business: Steve Hilton Interview
- Wikipedia: California
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
