Steve Hilton, a prominent figure in Silicon Valley and former Fox News presenter, is reportedly contemplating a bid for the California governorship.
The British-born tech entrepreneur is said to be eyeing the opportunity to replace the incumbent Democrat Governor, Gavin Newsom, in the 2026 elections, according to insiders who spoke to Politico.
Hilton's policy-centric approach is expected to address the most pressing issues plaguing California, including rampant homelessness, escalating crime rates, unaffordable housing, exorbitant living costs, and education, as reported by The Post Millennial. His decision to run on a Republican ticket has piqued the interest of Silicon Valley leaders, particularly those eager to see a political maverick tackle the problems stemming from years of unsuccessful progressive policies. However, Hilton's path to the governorship is fraught with challenges, given that the state hasn't elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger's recall victory in 2003.
Jim Brulte, the former chair of the California Republican Party and GOP leader of the state Senate, confirmed Hilton's serious consideration of the gubernatorial race. "He is thinking very seriously about running for governor and he is doing it in a very organized way," Brulte stated. "I know he's talking to a lot of the right people because I have heard from a lot of the right people that he's talking to them."
Brulte further emphasized Hilton's policy-driven approach, describing him as a "positive and optimistic guy." His campaign, Brulte believes, would be driven by a policy-focused agenda.
Chamath Palihapitiya, a billionaire tech venture capitalist, also weighed in on Hilton's potential candidacy. He suggested that Hilton's entry into the political arena could spark much-needed conversations about the myriad issues currently plaguing California. "He is a no-BS person who cuts to the heart of issues no matter how uncomfortable the truth is," Palihapitiya told Politico, lauding Hilton as "an extremely precise 'first principles' thinker."
Hilton, who relocated to California in 2012 and became a US citizen in 2021, has an impressive resume. He served as a policy adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, founded the tech startup Crowdpac, taught classes at Stanford University, and hosted the Fox News program "The Next Revolution."
Hilton's potential candidacy could test the willingness of voters to challenge the state's Democratic policies. It could also help determine whether the state's worsening conditions, marked by high crime rates, homelessness, and soaring living costs, will prompt discussions about alternative leadership in the state.
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