California, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Steve Hilton, a candidate for California governor, announced plans to reverse Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies, citing concerns over the state’s declining business climate. In a podcast interview, Hilton criticized Newsom’s leadership and highlighted alarming reports of companies leaving California. His campaign is focused on improving the business environment, reducing taxes for certain residents, and addressing issues like affordable housing and public school performance. With endorsements from prominent Republicans, Hilton aims to shift the political dynamics in a state historically dominated by Democratic leadership.
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has announced plans to reverse current Governor Gavin Newsom’s business policies, highlighting concerns about California’s declining business climate. During a recent podcast interview, Hilton criticized the state’s economic environment, pointing to a report from the Public Policy Institute of California indicating that companies are leaving the state at alarming rates.
Hilton’s campaign agenda centers on improving California’s business climate, which he claims has suffered under Newsom’s leadership. He described the state’s business climate and Newsom’s social media engagement as “pathetic.” During his first significant campaign event held at Huntington Beach pier, Hilton stated that Democratic policies have eroded the “California dream,” leading to lower living standards for residents.
In his remarks, Hilton characterized California under Democratic leadership as an “ideological experiment,” claiming this has resulted in “far-left extremism.” He announced his candidacy for governor on Monday, stating that his motivation stems from personal experiences and a strong desire for change in California’s current trajectory.
Hilton has specifically targeted recent controversial policies, including the Green New Deal and the state’s upcoming ban on new gas-powered cars by 2035. He connects these issues to various challenges facing California, such as high unemployment rates. While Hilton asserted that California holds the highest unemployment rate in the nation, some states had slightly higher rates according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which raised questions about his claims.
His campaign proposals include eliminating the state income tax for residents earning $100,000, increasing the availability of affordable housing, and enhancing performance standards in public schools. Hilton’s stance is that the current policies negatively impact Californians and that addressing everyday issues should take precedence over ideological debates.
The upcoming gubernatorial election is set to utilize a jungle primary system, which could allow two Republican candidates to advance to the general election if the Democratic vote is split. Despite the historical trend of statewide Republicans losing elections in California since 2006, there’s a belief among state Republicans that Hilton represents a promising candidate for the party.
Hilton, who is the son of Hungarian immigrants who fled during a revolution, has a background in politics and business consulting before settling in California. He became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and has been vocal against pandemic-related restrictions. He also founded Golden Together, a research group addressing critical issues facing California, such as business climate, homelessness, crime, affordable housing, and wildfires.
Hilton has received endorsements from prominent figures within the Republican party, including allies of former President Trump. He believes the fractured Democratic vote in the current political landscape might open opportunities for Republican candidates, which could shift the dynamics of the race.
Overall, Steve Hilton’s gubernatorial campaign offers a stark contrast to Gavin Newsom’s administration, underscoring a commitment to changing pressing policies and initiating reforms to restore California’s status as a thriving business environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steve Hilton’s main focus in his gubernatorial campaign?
Hilton’s campaign focuses on improving California’s business climate and addressing recent concerns from the Public Policy Institute of California, which reported that companies are increasingly leaving the state.
What are some of Hilton’s proposed policies?
Hilton proposed removing the state income tax for residents earning $100,000, building more affordable housing, and improving student performance in public schools.
Why does Hilton criticize Governor Newsom?
Hilton called Newsom’s social media presence and the state’s business climate “pathetic.” He alleges that Democratic policies have destroyed the “California dream” and led to a decline in living standards.
Has Hilton received any endorsements?
Yes, Hilton has received endorsements from Trump allies, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk.
When is the gubernatorial election taking place?
The upcoming election features a jungle primary system where the top two candidates could include Republicans if Democrats split their votes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- SJV Sun: Hilton Vows to End the Nightmare of Doing Business in California
- New York Times: Steve Hilton Running for California Governor
- Los Angeles Times: Conservative Commentator Steve Hilton for Governor
- Google Search: Steve Hilton California Governor
- Google News: Steve Hilton California Governor
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like 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 drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
