Steve Hilton's "Make California Golden Again" Campaign Ignites Excitement Across the Golden State

SANTA MONICA - In a state longing for fresh leadership and practical solutions, Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is bringing infectious energy and grassroots momentum to his bid for California governor in the June 2026 primary. With packed campaign events, strong early fundraising, and a clear vision centered on affordability and opportunity, Hilton is inspiring voters who believe it's time to restore California's shine.

Born in the United Kingdom to Hungarian parents who fled communism, Hilton brings a unique perspective as a former senior advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, a Fox News contributor, entrepreneur, and longtime California resident since 2012. He launched his campaign in 2025 with a straightforward promise: end one-party rule and Make California Golden Again. His platform focuses on what matters most to working families - bringing gas prices down toward $3 a gallon, making housing affordable again, slashing burdensome bureaucracy, protecting Proposition 13, and tackling homelessness and fraud head-on.

Recent campaign stops have drawn enthusiastic crowds eager for change. Photos and videos shared by the campaign show attentive audiences filling venues, with supporters cheering Hilton's calls for common-sense reforms. From town halls in places like Santa Barbara - where over 140 people turned out - to gatherings with Republican women's groups and local clubs, the energy is palpable. Hilton's running mate, former Democratic state Senator Gloria Romero, adds broad appeal to the "Golden Ticket" team, emphasizing results over partisanship.

Fundraising has been a bright spot. In the second half of 2025, Hilton raised approximately $4.1 million from more than 30,000 individual donors - leading most candidates in the race and signaling real grassroots support. He started 2026 with about $2 million on hand, underscoring momentum even in a competitive field.

Polling reinforces the buzz. A February 2026 Emerson College/Inside California Politics survey showed Hilton leading the crowded nonpartisan primary field with 17% support, ahead of several prominent Democrats and fellow Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. With a large share of voters still undecided and the Democratic side fragmented, Hilton's message of fixing high costs and government waste is resonating widely.

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At the heart of Hilton's upbeat vision is restoring the California Dream: a good job that lets families afford a home in a safe neighborhood with strong schools. He proposes suspending the gas tax to ease pump pain, streamlining regulations to build more housing, and cracking down on waste and election vulnerabilities to protect taxpayers. Supporters praise his straightforward style and focus on abundance - more water, healthier forests, and opportunity for all.As the primary approaches on June 2, 2026, Hilton's campaign continues to gain steam with endorsements from figures like former Congressman John Duarte and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Californians tired of skyrocketing costs and dysfunction are responding with optimism: "This is what momentum looks like," Hilton often says.Whether at lively events or through his active outreach, Steve Hilton is proving that change is possible - and that California's best days can still lie ahead. For many, the message is simple and hopeful: it's time to make our state golden again. For more on the campaign, visit stevehiltonforgovernor.com.