{"id":276525,"date":"2026-04-20T07:39:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T07:39:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/276525\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T07:39:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T07:39:21","slug":"trump-backed-steve-hilton-is-leading-california-governor-polls-can-he-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/276525\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump-Backed Steve Hilton Is Leading California Governor Polls\u2014Can He Win?"},"content":{"rendered":"

For a Republican<\/a> running statewide in California<\/a>, the math is typically unforgiving. Democrats dominate voter registration, control every major office, and have consistently carried the state in presidential elections by wide margins. That broader context has not changed in 2026.<\/p>\n

What has changed, however, is the current dynamic of the gubernatorial field.<\/p>\n

Republican candidate\u00a0Steve Hilton\u00a0has led in early primary polling, as multiple Democrats split the vote in a large and unsettled field. The withdrawal of\u00a0former Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell<\/a> after allegations of sexual assault and rape\u00a0has added further volatility. Swalwell has denied the accusations but suspended his campaign and resigned from Congress.<\/p>\n

Hilton, a former Fox News host and businessman who\u00a0President Donald Trump<\/a>\u00a0endorsed earlier this month<\/a>, is framing the race in stark terms.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalifornia is desperate for change. Everything\u2019s heading in the wrong direction,\u201d he told Newsweek in a Wednesday interview via Zoom. \u201cIt\u2019s really a disaster and we\u2019re desperate for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n

The central question is whether Hilton\u2019s strategy can translate into a viable path to victory in November.<\/p>\n

California Election<\/a> Dynamics and What 2026 Polling Shows<\/p>\n

California\u2019s recent voting history underscores the scale of the challenge. Trump\u00a0has consistently lost the state by wide margins, but his share of the vote has increased each cycle\u2014receiving roughly 31 percent in 2016, about 34 percent in 2020, and just over 38 percent in 2024. Despite those gains, Democrats have continued to carry the Golden State comfortably.<\/p>\n

The state has not elected a Republican to statewide office in nearly two decades, and Democrats maintain a significant registration advantage. They also control the governorship, both chambers of the legislature with supermajorities, and every other statewide constitutional office.<\/p>\n

That reality is compounded by national political conditions. Democrats are broadly expected to perform strongly in 2026, aided by Trump\u2019s low approval ratings and recent special election results that have trended in their favor. Hilton acknowledges those headwinds but argues the outcome will hinge on how voters interpret the race.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the campaign for California governor<\/a> is about California\u2026then I will win,\u201d he said. \u201cIf the Democrats succeed\u2026to make the California governor\u2019s race about national politics, then the headwinds\u2026will come into play.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Recent polling reflects Hilton\u2019s early positioning and the fragmented nature of the race.<\/p>\n

An Emerson College Polling<\/a> survey conducted April 14 to 15, found Hilton leading with roughly 17 percent support. Fellow GOP hopeful Chad Bianco and Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer<\/a> tied for second at 14 percent. Several other candidates trailed in the low double digits, while a significant share of voters remained undecided.<\/p>\n

Other public polling has shown a similar pattern, with no candidate approaching majority support but Hilton repeatedly appearing in the lead of the crowded field. That dynamic is not unusual in California\u2019s top-two primary system, where a large field can allow a candidate with a consolidated base to emerge ahead early, even without broad majority support.<\/p>\n

Democrats have pointed to that structure in assessing the race. Party officials have urged consolidation behind a smaller number of candidates to avoid splitting the vote. Candidates have also sought to define contrasts. Steyer, the founder\u00a0of Farallon Capital, has emphasized economic reform and systemic change, while former Democratic Representative Katie Porter\u00a0has focused on accountability, consumer protection, and corporate oversight.<\/p>\n

Hilton, however, has argued broader dissatisfaction outweighs candidate-specific dynamics.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a sense it doesn\u2019t matter who the Democrat<\/a> candidate is\u2026they\u2019re gonna lose this year because we\u2019re sick of it all and want change,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Hilton\u2019s strategy is to keep the campaign focused on state-level concerns rather than national political dynamics.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe real question is\u2026if people are voting on California issues,\u201d he said. \u201cWhoever the Democrat is will be going on about Trump\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He has argued the state\u2019s long period of Democratic control has contributed to current challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Democrats in California control every statewide elected office\u2026the legislature\u2026the big cities,\u201d Hilton said. \u201cIt\u2019s like total one-party rule, and it\u2019s just not healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the same time, he has acknowledged that national politics will play a role, particularly given Trump\u2019s presence in the race through his endorsement. Hilton has pointed to that endorsement as a factor that could help drive Republican turnout, while emphasizing that a broader coalition will be necessary.<\/p>\n

Cost-of-Living, Housing Crisis and Economic Pressures<\/p>\n

Hilton\u2019s campaign is centered on cost-of-living, housing, and homelessness\u2014issues that consistently rank among the top concerns for California voters.<\/p>\n

California is widely considered the most expensive state in the country. Housing costs are a primary driver, with median home prices exceeding $700,000 statewide and significantly higher in major metropolitan regions such as Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Rent prices similarly rank among the highest in the nation.<\/p>\n

Energy costs, including gasoline and electricity, also exceed national averages, contributing to broader affordability challenges.<\/p>\n

These pressures have contributed to population outflows in recent years, as some residents relocate to lower-cost states.<\/p>\n

At the same time, California continues to face a severe homelessness crisis. More than 180,000 people are experiencing homelessness, according to recent estimates\u2014the largest population in the nation. Despite significant public spending, the issue remains a central political concern.<\/p>\n

Hilton frequently frames these issues as evidence of systemic problems in state governance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got the highest cost-of-living, highest price of gas, electric, housing, rent, everything,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s really a disaster.\u201d<\/p>\n

Housing policy is central to Hilton\u2019s platform.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got the highest housing costs in America and the lowest home ownership,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s the number one reason people are leaving our state.\u201d<\/p>\n

He has argued construction costs in California are significantly higher than in other states, citing regulatory requirements as a key factor.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt costs about two or three times as much to build anything in California compared to Texas or Arizona,\u201d the gubernatorial hopeful said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A major focus of his critique is the\u00a0California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which he argues has been used to block housing development.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeventy percent of lawsuits under CEQA are used to block housing,\u201d he said, who also pointed to local impact fees, which can add substantial costs to new construction, and has proposed limiting those fees.<\/p>\n

Another element of his approach is expanding housing supply beyond existing urban areas.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to challenge this ideology of density,\u201d Hilton said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got plenty of land\u2026but they won\u2019t let us build.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hilton has tied his economic message to broader themes of opportunity and affordability.<\/p>\n

On immigration, he has emphasized his personal background.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a proud American and a legal immigrant,\u201d he said. \u201cI am the candidate of the legal immigrant community for the legal immigrants community.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the same time, he has taken a firm stance on illegal immigration.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen it comes to illegal immigrants\u2026it\u2019s illegal,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s probably about four to five million adult Californians who could be working\u2026That whole equation is broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

On social issues, Hilton has sought to minimize their role in the campaign.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t be a concern at all, because it\u2019s not a part of my campaign at all,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019ll be no change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Can Steve Hilton Win?<\/p>\n

Hilton faces a difficult path in a state where Democratic advantages remain significant.<\/p>\n

To win, he would need strong Republican turnout, significant support from independent voters, and some crossover backing from Democrats.<\/p>\n

He has acknowledged the challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never said that it is going to be easy to win,\u201d he said. \u201cI understand it will be difficult\u2026but it really is time for change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether that argument resonates broadly enough to overcome California\u2019s political alignment remains uncertain.<\/p>\n

Steve Hilton Q&A Transcript<\/p>\n

The transcript has been significantly edited for brevity and clarity.<\/p>\n

Newsweek:\u00a0What\u2019s your view of the fallout around Eric Swalwell<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Steve Hilton:\u00a0It\u2019s politics. I\u2019ve seen it for many years\u2026I hear that Katie Porter believes that it\u2019s Tom Steyer who\u2019s behind all this\u2026 But the point about everyone\u2019s known about his behavior for a long time\u2026The hypocrisy is breathtaking\u2026It\u2019s symbolic of the rot and decay of the California Democrats after 16 years of one-party rule.<\/p>\n

Do you think Democrats more broadly are affected?<\/p>\n

I just think that this party\u2019s\u2026time for change. They\u2019re not delivering for the people of California\u2026We\u2019ve got the highest gas prices, highest housing costs\u2026homelessness is totally out of control\u2026We pay the highest taxes in the country for the worst results\u2026California is in deep trouble after 16 years of Democrat one-party rule.<\/p>\n

Why are you qualified to fix these issues?<\/p>\n

We need change\u2026it has to be a Republican\u2026I\u2019ve spent most of my career in business\u2026I\u2019ve got a pragmatic, problem-solving business mindset\u2026I also worked at the highest levels of the UK government\u2026I\u2019ve been traveling the state, developing solutions\u2026I would argue that I\u2019m the best prepared and best qualified candidate.<\/p>\n

What would you do on housing?<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve got the highest housing costs in America\u2026It costs about two or three times as much to build\u2026regulations have been layered on\u2026CEQA\u202670 percent of lawsuits under CEQA are used to block housing\u2026Impact fees add huge costs\u2026We\u2019ve got to challenge this ideology of density\u2026We\u2019ve got plenty of land\u2026but they won\u2019t let us build.<\/p>\n

How do you win in California?<\/p>\n

People outside California aren\u2019t quite realizing how bad it is here\u2026If the campaign for California governor is about California\u2026then I will win\u2026If Democrats make it about national politics, then the headwinds will come into play.<\/p>\n

Does Trump\u2019s endorsement help?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a very powerful driver of turnout\u2026In a midterm election\u2026it\u2019s about turnout\u2026You can\u2019t win without strong Republican turnout.<\/p>\n

What about Californians concerns about Republicans and social issues?<\/p>\n

It shouldn\u2019t be a concern at all\u2026It\u2019s not a part of my campaign\u2026There\u2019ll be no change.<\/p>\n

Where do you agree and disagree with Trump?<\/p>\n

I strongly support the reorientation of the Republican Party\u2026becoming a pro-worker party\u2026One area I really disagreed was on the lockdowns\u2026they did much more harm than good.<\/p>\n

How do you approach immigration?<\/p>\n

I\u2019m a proud American and a legal immigrant\u2026I am the candidate of the legal immigrant community for the legal immigrants community\u2026When it comes to illegal immigrants\u2026it\u2019s illegal\u2026There\u2019s probably about four to five million adult Californians who could be working\u2026That whole equation is broken.<\/p>\n

What does America mean to you?<\/p>\n

California means to America what America means to the world\u2026Above all\u2026the rebel spirit\u2026not accepting the way things are\u2026 always believing there\u2019s a better way\u2026That\u2019s America.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For a Republican running statewide in California, the math is typically unforgiving. Democrats dominate voter registration, control every…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":276526,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[7,9,8,17980,536,204,24115,943,8111,6214,25299,10977],"class_list":["post-276525","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-california","tag-california","tag-california-headlines","tag-california-news","tag-democrat","tag-donald-trump","tag-election","tag-eric-swalwell","tag-governor","tag-poll","tag-republican","tag-tom-steyer","tag-us-politics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276525","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=276525"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276525\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/276526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=276525"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=276525"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=276525"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}