From Fox News: Steve Hilton, a legal immigrant and political newcomer running as a Republican for governor of California, said the “absolute failure on every front” by current Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats means the GOP has a real shot at pulling off an upset in the Golden State.
Though California has long since been written off by many as a progressive stronghold, the most recent polling indicates Hilton may be right.
On Wednesday, Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies released a poll showing Hilton leading California voter preferences at 17 percent. Another Republican, Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, follows at 16 percent. Both Republicans are ahead of the two top Democratic names, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and former Rep. Katie Porter, who are each at 13 percent.
“I know people look at California and assume that it’s going to be Democrat forever. It’s a deep blue state, but people here are sick of it. There’s a revolution brewing in California,” Hilton told Fox News Digital, adding, “This is our year.”
Hilton, 56, was born in London, legally immigrated to California from the United Kingdom in 2014, and became a U.S. citizen in May 2021. He previously served as director of strategy for the British Prime Minister David Cameron from 2010 to 2012.
Hilton was a co-founder of the crowd-funding platform Crowdpac, but resigned as CEO in 2018. He is a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump.
In California, the two top winners of the primary election – regardless of party affiliation – will go on to a runoff in the General Election. Therefore, if the new poll holds, California would end up with a Republican governor – either Hilton or Bianco.
CALIFORNIA POLL – Governor (top two advance)
🟥 Steve Hilton: 17%
🟥 Chad Bianco: 16%
🟦 Katie Porter: 13%
🟦 Eric Swalwell: 13%
🟦 Tom Steyer: 10%
🟦 Xavier Becerra: 5%
🟦 A. Villaraigosa: 4%
🟦 Matt Mahan: 4%
🟦 Betty Yee: 1%
🟦 Thurmond: 1%Berkeley IGS (A) | 3/9-15 | 3,889… pic.twitter.com/4lYh4Vr6W9
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) March 18, 2026
Demcrat Rep. Eric Swalwell is bragging that he is leading over billinaire Tom Steyer.
Sharing a separate poll by Real Clear Politics, which also shows Hilton leading the race, Hilton reminded Swalwell, “Umm… I think you’ll find that STEVE HILTON is actually LEADING this race! And he’s spent WAY LESS than you AND billionaire Steyer! Californians are DONE with the same old Democrat disasters — they want REAL CHANGE!”
Umm… I think you’ll find that STEVE HILTON is actually LEADING this race!
And he’s spent WAY LESS than you AND billionaire Steyer!
Californians are DONE with the same old Democrat disasters — they want REAL CHANGE! https://t.co/qK5VxgjWGh pic.twitter.com/lczpOLydYC
— Steve Hilton For Governor (@TeamSteveHilton) March 17, 2026
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