Steve Hilton leads California governor primary, vows to end 'Democrats' failure'

Republican candidate Steve Hilton is leading the race for California governor in the 2026 primary elections, securing 27.8% of the vote with 57% of precincts reporting. The British businessman, who has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, is campaigning on a platform of tax reduction, AI regulation, affordable energy, and education reform. Hilton, born in London on August 25, 1969, is the son of Hungarian immigrants who fled communism. He attended Christ's Hospital school and earned a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University. He became a key figure in the British Conservative Party in the 1990s, working in its research department and later serving as chief strategist and closest advisor to David Cameron, helping to modernize the party's image. In 2012, Hilton moved to Silicon Valley with his family. He began teaching at Stanford University's "d.school" and hosted "The Next Revolution" on Fox News starting in 2017. He is also the author of "Califailure," a book criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom's policies. Hilton announced his candidacy on April 25 of last year, emphasizing "the pursuit of freedom." He stated, "We have to end the party that got us into this mess. It's time to get out of the Democrats' failure. It's time for a new future." Trump endorsed Hilton on April 6, 2025, asserting that Hilton could change California's current situation under the Newsom administration.