That makes him the second major Republican to enter the crowded field hoping to replace incumbent Gavin Newsom in 2026

Hilton will hold a campaign launch rally in conservative Huntington Beach, with a message critical of California’s Democratic supermajority.

EXCLUSIVE: The California 2026 gubernatorial race just got a major shakeup with Republican Steve Hilton entering the race to be Gov. Gavin Newsom's successor. The former Fox News contributor and author of "Califailure" said he's hoping to "Make California Golden Again," especially for the "working people" of the state.