Huntington Beach, September 26, 2025
News Summary
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has kicked off his campaign aimed at reversing Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies, which he claims have harmed the state’s economy. Launching at Huntington Beach Pier, Hilton promises reforms to improve the business climate, including eliminating state income tax for individuals earning $100,000. He criticizes Newsom’s leadership, branding it as ‘far-left extremism’ that has destroyed the ‘California dream.’ Despite challenges in the election landscape, Hilton rallies support with notable endorsements ahead of the upcoming primary.
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has launched his campaign aimed at reversing the policies of current Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he criticized for creating a challenging business environment in the state. In a recent podcast interview, Hilton focused on the growing concern highlighted by the Public Policy Institute of California, reporting that more companies are relocating out of California.
Hilton’s campaign notably kicked off at Huntington Beach Pier, where he expressed that the leadership of California Democrats has “destroyed the ‘California dream.'” He labeled their governance as an “ideological experiment,” resulting in what he termed “far-left extremism” affecting the quality of life for residents. Addressing these issues, Hilton vowed to prioritize the improvement of California’s business climate and proposed several reforms including the elimination of state income tax for individuals earning $100,000 and initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing and enhancing student performance in public schools.
Hilton’s announcement marks a significant moment as he positions himself as a challenger in the upcoming gubernatorial race slated for next year. His criticisms were directed towards policy initiatives like the Green New Deal and California’s planned ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035, positioning them as key issues impacting the state’s economy and residents’ daily lives. He argued these policies contribute to the decline in living standards.
However, some of Hilton’s claims around California’s unemployment rate have come under scrutiny. While he stated California holds the highest unemployment in the U.S., data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that other states might also have higher rates.
As Hilton rallies support, he has received endorsements from prominent figures like Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk, both allies of former President Donald Trump. The upcoming election features a jungle primary system, which could allow Hilton, a Republican, to secure a spot in the general election if Democratic votes become fragmented. This scenario presents both an opportunity and a challenge, given California’s historical trend of Republican candidates facing difficulties in statewide elections since 2006.
Hilton, raised by immigrants from Hungary, brings a personal story and a firm political background to his campaign. After becoming a U.S. citizen in 2021, he has consistently been vocal against pandemic-related shutdowns. In his efforts to highlight California’s pressing issues, he established an initiative called Golden Together, focusing on challenges ranging from homelessness to wildfires.
Ultimately, Hilton’s platform aims for practical solutions to everyday concerns faced by Californians rather than ideological disputes. He believes addressing statewide issues is vital not only for California but for the broader impact on the nation.
FAQs
What are Steve Hilton’s main goals in his gubernatorial campaign?
Hilton’s campaign focuses on improving California’s business climate, eliminating state income tax for residents earning $100,000, building more affordable housing, and improving public school student performance.
Who has endorsed Steve Hilton’s campaign?
Hilton has received endorsements from Trump allies including Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk.
What criticisms has Hilton made regarding Governor Gavin Newsom?
Hilton criticized Newsom’s leadership for allegedly destroying the “California dream” and labeled the state’s current policies as an “ideological experiment” resulting in “far-left extremism.”
What challenges does Hilton face in the upcoming election?
Hilton faces the historical trend of statewide Republicans losing elections in California since 2006, alongside a competitive political landscape that may favor Democratic candidates.
What initiative did Steve Hilton establish to address California’s challenges?
Hilton founded Golden Together, a research group focused on California’s business climate, homelessness, crime, affordable housing, and wildfires.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- SJVSUN: Hilton Vows to End the Nightmare of Doing Business in California
- Wikipedia: Steve Hilton
- New York Times: Steve Hilton Running for California Governor
- Google Search: Steve Hilton
- Los Angeles Times: Conservative Commentator Steve Hilton for Governor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
