California Governor's Race Wide Open as Republicans Gain Traction
The race to become California's next governor is remarkably open and unpredictable, with a large field of candidates and no definitive frontrunner emerging. According to CalMatters, two Republicans, former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton (14%) and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco (12%), are polling in double digits, a notable development in a state that hasn't elected a Republican governor in two decades. This has prompted California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks to call for candidates without a 'viable path' to drop out, a request that has so far been ignored, as evidenced by candidate Betty Yee's continued campaigning. The Republican side features its own dynamics. Steve Hilton, who leads some polls, is campaigning on a 'Califordable' agenda, labeling California the 'worst-performing state in America' and vowing to end its sanctuary state policies. He has also made headlines with a pledge to strip Vice President Kamala Harris of her state-funded security detail. Meanwhile, Sheriff Chad Bianco has garnered endorsements from law enforcement and gun-rights groups but faces criticism from Trump-aligned figures for being 'insufficiently MAGA,' highlighting intra-party tensions. With the June primary approaching, the sheer number of Democratic candidates—including Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, and Matt Mahan—risks splitting the vote, a scenario that could inadvertently benefit the Republican contenders. As noted by candidate Betty Yee, nearly half the electorate is not yet paying attention, suggesting the race remains highly fluid. The outcome will hinge on whether Democrats can consolidate support around a few strong candidates or if the current fragmentation creates an opening for an unlikely Republican victory.
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Sources
Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host who worked in conservative politics in Britain, moved to Silicon Valley for his wife’s job at Google in 2012. His campaign for governor has received support from Rupert Murdoch, the conservative media magnate, who has donated the maximum amount permitted.
Republican Steve Hilton Campaigns for Governor in Santa Barbara, Promotes ‘Califordable’ Agenda - The Santa Barbara Independent
Former Fox News Commentator Leading Recent Polls in Tight Governor’s Race Calls California ‘Worst-Performing State in America’ and Promises to End State’s Sanctuary Policies ... Add independent.com on Google Add the SB Independent as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Members of the public take photos with Steve Hilton ...
Opinion | No clear frontrunner for governor, but new poll names five with the best shot
Moreover, two of the five double-digit candidates are Republicans — former television commentator Steve Hilton, who tops the field at 14%, and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco (12%) — even though it’s virtually impossible for a Republican to win the governorship in a face-to-face duel with ...
California Democratic Party chair calls for governor candidates without a 'viable path' to drop out
At least 10 Republicans have also ... television personality Steve Hilton leading the pack. Some early polling of the race has put both Bianco and Hilton among the candidates splitting the most support in a state that hasn't elected a Republican governor in 20 years....
His campaign for governor has been endorsed by numerous law enforcement organizations and a prominent gun-rights group. Despite his conservative record, Mr. Bianco has repeatedly been attacked by Laura Loomer, a Trump-aligned influencer, as being insufficiently MAGA. Steve Hilton Rep. ... Steve Hilton, a former Fox News ...
Democratic candidates in CA governor race asked to drop out if they aren't viable, but no one wants to - ABC7 Los Angeles
Meanwhile, candidate for governor Betty Yee responded by holding an event in Oakland to file paperwork to place her name on the ballot. "What the early polls are telling us, and when you look behind the numbers, is close to 50% of the electorate are not paying attention yet on this race," said Yee. In his letter, Hicks said it's not impossible that the two leading Republicans in the race, Steve Hilton ...
CalMatters is your nonprofit and nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to explaining how state government impacts our lives. ... The California gubernatorial candidate debate stage in San Francisco on Feb. 3, 2026. The glut of Democrats running for governor in California could tip the race in favor ...
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