Steve Hilton is one of two prominent Republican candidates for Governor of California, alongside Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. With the jungle primary set for June 2, 2026, there had been serious discussion on the right about the possibility of two Republicans advancing to the November general election.
On the PBD Podcast this week, Hilton broke down the latest polling — showing him narrowly leading or tied near the top — and warned about the real risk that two Democrats could squeeze into the top two spots. That outcome would shield lame-duck Governor Gavin Newsom from full accountability for the state’s failures. He even suggested Sheriff Bianco should consider dropping out to consolidate the Republican vote and prevent a Democrat-only general election.
Hilton is an unusual figure in this race. A former Fox News host of The Next Revolution, he previously served as a top political strategist and aide to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron. He moved to the United States in 2012 and became a citizen. He has cited a major falling out with Cameron over immigration policy — an issue the UK continues to grapple with.
Now a recent immigrant from England, Hilton is running to lead the Golden State. California has elected an Austrian-born movie star with a thick accent as Governor — so why not a sharp-minded Englishman with a concrete plan to fix the mess? I could get behind that.
Here's the podcast in question [VIDEO]
With few exceptions, I don't trust most Democrats to fix California's deep problems. Figures like former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan have real executive experience, but candidates like the temperamental Katie Porter, out-of-touch billionaire Tom Steyer, and former Biden HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra don’t inspire confidence. Too often, California Democrats protect each other rather than challenge Newsom’s failed record after years of unchecked one-party rule.
In the podcast, Hilton highlighted how unions — especially teachers’ unions — effectively run the state, leading to sky-high spending with terrible results: nearly $28,000 per student but some of the worst test scores in the country. He also pointed to $425 billion in fraud, waste, and abuse, crushing regulations, businesses fleeing, and energy policies that drive up costs for everyone.
California is a great state with incredible potential. I've only visited a few times, but it used to be the ultimate American dream destination. Today, people are flocking to Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina instead.
What most Americans want is a place where the quality of life doesn’t "bankrupt" them. High taxes, sky-high housing costs, job shortages, and barriers to starting a business have made California punishing for many. Add in the cultural rot of extreme progressivism and one-party rule, and the results speak for themselves.
If I lived there, I’d be voting for Hilton or Bianco — or the Democrat mayors in the race who actually deliver results. Hilton’s vision of no income tax on the first $100k, a flatter tax system, slashing bureaucracy, and unlocking energy and housing makes common sense. Californians deserve better than declining opportunity, unaffordability, and rising crime.
The same goes for Los Angeles, where the mayoral race is also critical. Many Angelenos appear fed up with Karen Bass. It’s time for real change on the West Coast.
(This post was refined with help from AI)
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