Steve Hilton reacts as poll shows him leading CA governor’s race

GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton spoke exclusively to The California Post on a wide range of topics, just as a new Emerson College poll, released Wednesday, puts him in the lead, with 17% of voters supporting his campaign for California governor.

In an exclusive conversation with The Post, the former Fox News commentator touched on a range of subjects including his GOP rival, Democratic “one-party rule,” and his “very different” campaign style.

Hilton remains hopeful as he looks to qualify in the June primary and advance to the November general election to replace outgoing governor Gavin Newsom.

“I’m very encouraged that we’re leading the race. It reflects, I think, this really strong desire for change in California,” he told The Post. “I’m very confident that we’ll be able to unite the Republican Party behind my campaign and then win in November.”

Primary battle with Chad Bianco

Among the 1,000 likely voters surveyed by Emerson, Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco split the Republican base, with the sheriff trailing by just one point.

“There’s a real danger that if Chad Bianco continues to act as a spoiler, we could end up with two Democrats in the top two under this system,” Hilton said. “That would be an absolute disaster for California because it would instantly remove the chance for change. So it’s very important that we unite behind one Republican candidate.”

The British-American candidate urged Bianco to drop out and “unite the Republican Party behind my campaign.”

“This poll shows that I’m the leading candidate,” Hilton said, noting he is ahead by three points — the same as the margin of error. “I think it’s very important that we unite right now and focus on what California needs, which is a strong, positive Republican alternative.”

The Post has reached out to Bianco’s campaign for comment.

Targeting Eric Swalwell and ‘one-party rule’

Hilton, 56, also had strong words for Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell who, according to the poll, was tied with Bianco in second place and is the leading Democrat in the gubernatorial race.

“What is Eric Swalwell offering that’s different from the last 16 years?” Hilton asked. “I’ve struggled to find a single positive proposal for real change in anything he’s said. Another Democratic governor would mean another four years of one-party rule.”

Hilton said he is the alternative to what he called the “chaos” in the Golden State after “16 years of one-party rule and terrible outcomes for Californians.”

The Post has also reached out to Swalwell’s representatives for comment.

The last time a Republican was elected governor of California — in what has long been considered a reliable blue stronghold — was in 2006, when then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger won reelection. If Hilton were to win, he would be the first Republican elected governor in two decades.

“[Californians] want change, and it’s clear now that I’m leading that movement,” Hilton asserted.

“There’s no one else to blame for the state of California than the Democrats who’ve been running it for 16 years,” he added, citing what he described as major problems including the high cost of living, unemployment, poverty, crime and homelessness.

The Emerson poll found that 53% of Californians have considered leaving the state due to how expensive it is, with the economy ranking as the top issue among 37% of voters, up three points from December. Of the top issues, a further 19% of respondents cited housing affordability, while 16% cited threats to democracy, followed by 8% immigration, 6% health care, and 5% crime.

“We can’t continue with this pain and what I see as the cruelty of this Democratic regime,” Hilton said.

Olympics, Trump and federal cooperation

The poll also showed strong interest in major international events coming to Los Angeles, including the 2028 Summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, with a majority of voters saying they are at least somewhat interested in the Games.

The next governor will need to work closely with the Los Angeles mayor as millions descend on the region for these events.

In that planning, Hilton has pointed to an unlikely partner: Reality-TV star-turned-mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt.

Pratt’s candidacy was endorsed online by Hilton, as well as Richard Grenell, an ally of Donald Trump, who wrote on X that “Spencer has the passion and the drive to make positive change for Los Angeles.”

Hilton also said he would cooperate with federal law enforcement if elected.

The poll found that President Trump has a 62% disapproval rating among California respondents, who also hold relatively low approval of his immigration policies in the state.

“The chaos you’re seeing around immigration enforcement is caused by Democratic sanctuary state policies, which we would end,” Hilton said. “We will work cooperatively to ensure all laws are peacefully enforced.”

The Trump administration has not yet endorsed a candidate in the California gubernatorial race.

“I don’t think their focus is on the California governor’s race,” Hilton said. “There are many things much higher on the president’s agenda, and I expect that will remain the case for a while.”

A ‘very different’ campaign

According to the conservative frontrunner, Hilton’s policies resonate with voters due to the “contrast” he draws between “common sense” politics and the Democratic establishment of the past 16 years.

“It’s very simple — [we offer] positive, practical changes,” he said. “Three-dollar gas, cutting electric bills in half, making your first $100,000 tax-free, lowering health care costs by ending free health care for illegal immigrants, and making homes affordable again.”

Hilton noted that he has taken a team-based approach to campaigning and governing.

“That’s another difference in our campaign — I’m running as a team,” he said.

The gubernatorial hopeful’s ticket includes Gloria Romero for lieutenant governor, Michael Gates for attorney general, and Herb Morgan for state controller.

“We’re very confident — but we’re working very hard,” he said.

California’s gubernatorial primary is slated for June 2, 2026. The two candidates who receive the highest number of votes will advance to the November election to succeed term-limited Gov. Newsom.

“When people ask how a Republican can win in California, my response is: How can a Democrat win with this record?” Hilton said.

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