Huntington Beach, September 26, 2025
News Summary
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has officially announced his campaign to reverse the business policies of Governor Gavin Newsom. During a rally at Huntington Beach, Hilton criticized Newsom’s leadership and proposed key initiatives such as abolishing state income tax for low earners, improving affordable housing, and enhancing public education. Having received endorsements from Republican figures like Vivek Ramaswamy, Hilton believes he can bring about necessary change in a state that has seen a decline in living standards. With historical challenges for Republicans, his candidacy offers hope for party supporters seeking new leadership.
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has announced his intention to run for governor, aiming to reverse the business policies implemented by current Governor Gavin Newsom. In a recent interview, Hilton criticized Newsom’s social media presence and declared the state’s business climate as “pathetic,” indicating his belief that recent government policies have led to an exodus of companies from California.
During a campaign event at Huntington Beach pier, Hilton expressed that the leadership of California Democrats has undermined the “California dream,” claiming their policies have deteriorated living standards for residents. He characterized California under Democrat rule as an “ideological experiment” contributing to what he described as “far-left extremism,” thus fueling his motivation to seek change.
Hilton officially announced his candidacy on Monday, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences and a desire to improve the state. His campaign agenda includes proposals to abolish the state income tax for individuals earning up to $100,000, enhance the available affordable housing, and focus on boosting student performance in public schools. In addition, he has criticized the Green New Deal and California’s future ban on new gas-powered cars set for 2035, connecting these policies to broader challenges within the state.
While Hilton claims California has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, some statistical discrepancies were noted, as certain states exhibited higher rates according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The upcoming election is structured as a jungle primary, allowing the possibility for Republican candidates to advance if Democrats split their votes. Despite historical challenges, as Republicans have struggled to secure statewide victories since 2006, some within the party view Hilton as a viable candidate.
Steve Hilton was born to Hungarian immigrants who fled their country during a revolution. After working in politics and business consulting, he became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and has been a vocal critic of pandemic-related shutdowns. He founded Golden Together, a research group focusing on pressing issues in California, including the business climate, homelessness, crime, affordable housing, and wildfires.
Hilton believes that the current political climate may benefit a Republican candidate due to the potential for a fragmented Democratic vote. He emphasizes that the challenges California faces have implications not only at the state level but also nationwide, advocating for practical solutions to address the everyday issues affecting Californians rather than engaging in ideological disputes.
Key Campaign Proposals
- Abolish state income tax for residents earning $100,000 or less
- Build more affordable housing
- Improve student performance in public schools
Support and Endorsements
Hilton has gained endorsements from notable Trump allies, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk, signaling a shift in Republican support as the election approaches.
Historical Context
California Republicans face a challenging landscape, having not won a statewide election since 2006. However, with Hilton’s candidacy, there is renewed hope within the party as constituents seek change from current leadership.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidate | Steve Hilton |
| Current Governor | Gavin Newsom |
| Campaign Focus | Reversing business policies, improving California’s business climate |
| Key Proposals | Abolish income tax for low earners, affordable housing, improve education |
| Endorsements | Vivek Ramaswamy, Charlie Kirk |
| Election Type | Jungle primary system |
| Historical Context | Republicans have not won statewide elections since 2006 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- SJVSUN: Hilton Vows to End the Nightmare of Doing Business in California
- LA Times: Conservative Commentator Steve Hilton Running for Governor
- NY Times: Steve Hilton Running for California Governor
- Fox Business: Interview with Steve Hilton
- AgNet West: Hilton Eyes Regulatory Overhaul in California
- Wikipedia: California
- Google Search: Steve Hilton California Governor
- Google Scholar: Steve Hilton California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
- Google News: Steve Hilton
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, 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 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
