Recent information that surfaced on Monday suggests that Steve Hilton, a former strategist to Prime Minister David Cameron and ex-Fox News host, is presently laying the groundwork for a potential run for the California Governor’s office in 2026. This development was affirmed by the GOP leadership. A London-born to Hungarian Revolution survivors of ’56, Hilton embarked on his political journey post his graduation from Oxford University in the prime of the ’90s.
Steve Hilton was an integral part of the UK’s Conservative Party and contributed significantly to their central office throughout that decade. The next decade witnessed a temporary setback for the conservatives which led to Hilton introducing environmental and progressive policies into the party’s mainstream. His innovative policy inclusion rewarded him with the title of Director of Strategy for PM David Cameron, a role he dutifully fulfilled from 2010 to 2012.
Upon the completion of his term as Director, Hilton expanded his political oeuvre to the United States, playing a pivotal role in establishing Crowdpac, a website developed to facilitate political fundraising and data tracking. However, he stepped away from his position at Crowdpac in 2018 when the site momentarily stopped fundraising efforts for GOP candidates. Parallelly, Hilton also journeyed into journalism and began crafting pieces for Fox News from 2016 onward; the period reflected his favor towards Donald Trump in the presidential race.
Throughout his career, Hilton has shown increasingly deep interest in the public policies of California. He founded ‘Golden Together,’ a bipartisan think tank, and has even pondered over the possibility of his candidacy for the role of Governor. This set the political rumor mill into motion on Monday and Tuesday, suggesting Hilton is indeed weighing a run for the Governor’s office in 2026.
Steve Hilton fits the prerequisite checklist for gubernatorial aspirants, having been a resident of California and a naturalized citizen of the United States since 2021. Despite Hilton avoiding public commentary on his intent to run, GOP leaders have unanimously confirmed his ongoing exploration of the possibility. If he decides to run, he would stand as the first large-scale Republican to announce the bid.
The only other confirmed Republican candidate is Leo Zacky, current Vice President of Zacky Farms. Outside of Zacky, the list is sparse with potential nominees, the primary name being State Senator and 2022 Gubernatorial contender Brian Dahle (R-Bieber). Contrarily, the Democratic side is teeming with names vying for the position.
The potential Democratic contenders include stalwarts such as Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), Former State Controller Betty Yee, and ex-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. There are additional mentioned interests by several influential figures like Attorney General Rob Bonta, Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA), 2022 L.A. Mayoral aspirant Rick Caruso, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA), and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
The possibility of Hilton joining the race could dramatically affect the course of the primary, potentially securing him one of the top two spots. His diverse experience in politics, both in the UK and US, coupled with his unique conservative outlook, could usher in unprecedented support.
Highlighting California’s history, gubernatorial pollster Guillermo Williams notes the state’s acceptance of immigrants who have found their American dream and gone ahead to take up significant offices. Williams quoted the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger as a precedent set a little over a decade ago.
Williams also emphasized the strategic need for a well-known figure in the GOP ticket, who could not only invigorate the Republican base but also lure moderates and left-leaning voters. A prominent Republican candidate in a Democrat-dominated primary could potentially throw off the competition. However, the true challenge lies in the triumph over the Democrat in November.
Hilton’s calculated consideration of his candidacy is praised. Known as a ‘Silicon Valley sort of guy,’ he, as a Republican, could capitalize on a robust base in Central California, Inland Empire, North State, and Orange County. Expanding this base to Bakersfield, L.A. suburbs, San Diego, Sacramento, and even parts of Silicon Valley is a realistic possibility, creating a unique entry point for the GOP.
In fact, the entry of high-profile candidates like Hilton within the GOP is seen as a positive sign. Hilton, with his distinct career trajectory, sets himself apart from the lot. As of Tuesday, Hilton remains silent about the growing speculation around his potential candidacy for the Governor’s office in California’s 2026 election.
This uncertainty extends a startling unpredictability into the race for the Governor’s office, stoking interest in political observers and the public alike. His diverse political experience both in the US and the UK sets him apart from the other potential entrants, offering a distinct perspective in the political arena.
The coming months will be critical in solidifying his decision, and the political landscape of California awaits his move. If Hilton chooses to run, he could bring significant changes to the gubernatorial race, making the forthcoming 2026 elections one of the most closely watched events.