Q&A With California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton: “California Can Be Golden Again”

February 26, 2026

Steve Hilton, a Republican gubernatorial candidate and former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, is running to "restore the California dream" by addressing what he views as the state's affordability crisis, excessive regulations, and failing systems. The political commentator and entrepreneur, who moved from the UK to California in 2012, believes middle-class families are being priced out while bureaucracy crushes small businesses and schools underserve working parents. He criticizes current leadership for what he characterizes as ideological extremism and political corruption, advocating instead for accountability, transparency, and practical solutions.

Who is affected

Middle-class families who cannot afford to buy homes in California
Small businesses struggling with regulations and red tape
Working parents whose children attend underperforming schools
Black Californians facing wealth, health, and education gaps
Unhoused people (over 80% of whom struggle with mental health or addiction issues)
Communities impacted by homeless encampments
California taxpayers funding the congressional redistricting process
Families affected by high energy costs and the zero-emissions vehicle mandate

What action is being taken

Steve Hilton is running for governor of California
Governor Newsom championed and achieved redrawing California's congressional maps before the 2026 midterms
The Citizens Redistricting Commission hired a law firm to guide the redistricting process

Why it matters

This race matters because it represents competing visions for addressing California's critical challenges including the highest poverty rate in the nation, least affordable housing in the country, persistent homelessness crisis, and significant racial disparities in wealth, health, and education outcomes. The election will determine policy directions on fundamental issues affecting Californians' daily lives—from housing affordability and education quality to energy costs and public safety. The debate over redistricting also raises questions about democratic fairness and whether political processes serve citizens or political interests, with implications for representation and voting power across the state.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint