Steve Hilton, political commentator and former advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, announced his run for governor of California during a special broadcast on KHTS’ “Politics in the Pulpit” with Pastor Jerry Cook. 

Hilton, known for what he calls “positive populism” approach, shared his vision for Governor to “Make California Golden Again” by focusing on economic reform, educational improvements, and parental rights.

Campaign Launch in Huntington Beach

Steve Hilton launched his campaign a couple of weeks ago in Huntington Beach, Orange County. 

He specifically mentions this as a symbolic location, representing a shift in political tides and marking the start of his campaign for the 2026 election. 

Hilton described the area as emblematic of his grassroots movement to restore California’s economic prosperity and community values.

Campaign Platform: Positive Populism

Hilton emphasized that his campaign is centered on “positive populism,” a philosophy he coined as practical, common-sense governance that prioritizes the needs of working families.

“Let’s focus not on what’s wrong but on solutions,” Hilton said. 

His campaign aims to reduce the tax burden, lower gas prices, and restore freedom to Californians.

Economic and Energy Reform

A significant point of Hilton’s platform is tackling California’s high cost of living. 

He criticized current energy policies, calling them a “war on fossil fuels” and argued that California’s climate regulations have increased gas prices while leading to higher carbon emissions. 

He proposed increasing domestic oil production to reduce reliance on imported oil, which he claimed is both economically and environmentally counterproductive.

Parental Rights and Education

Hilton was vocal about restoring parental rights in education, arguing that public schools should focus on teaching rather than “indoctrination.” 

He advocated for giving parents more control over educational standards and supporting school choice initiatives. 

“It’s not the government’s job to raise our kids,” Hilton stated. “Parents should be in charge.”

Grassroots Campaign

Hilton’s campaign strategy focuses on grassroots mobilization. 

He noted that he’s been traveling around California in his pickup truck, meeting voters face-to-face and discussing their concerns. 

Despite acknowledging that he lacks the celebrity status of previous candidates like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hilton remains optimistic, citing strong support from conservative grassroots organizations.

Restoring California’s Promise

Describing California as “America’s worst-run state” due to one-party dominance, Hilton outlined his vision for revitalizing the state’s economy and business climate. 

He highlighted his plan to eliminate state income tax on the first $100,000 of income, aiming to relieve financial pressure on millions of households.

What’s Next

Hilton says will continue touring the state for his campaign for Governor with plans to knock on one million doors before the June 2026 primary. 

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