Steve Hilton California Governor Run: A Republican’s Uphill Battle

California Governor’s Race Heats Up as Hilton Targets Rival Bianco

February 13, 2026 – The race for California governor is intensifying as Republican candidate Steve Hilton focuses his campaign strategy on attacking fellow GOP contender Chad Bianco. With the primary election just over three months away – scheduled for June 2nd – Hilton is attempting to consolidate support within the Republican base.

Hilton, a former Fox News host, officially announced his candidacy on April 22, 2025, positioning himself as a Republican alternative to current Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. His entry into the race marked a significant development, making him the second major Republican to challenge for the governorship, according to reports from April 2025.

The shift in strategy towards Bianco was evident during a recent televised debate featuring several leading candidates. Hilton reportedly referred to Bianco as a “RINO” – Republican in name only – a label used to question a candidate’s conservative credentials. He also criticized Bianco for kneeling with protesters during demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in 2020.

Bianco, at the time of the 2020 protests, explained his actions by stating he aimed to bridge divides and acknowledged the “concept of this protest” as long as it remained peaceful. Hilton, however, seized on the incident, calling Bianco “shifty sheriff” and claiming he had “more baggage than LAX,” a reference to Los Angeles International Airport.

According to Hilton, this aggressive approach is a calculated move to improve his chances of surviving the primary election. He believes that narrowing the field of Republican candidates is crucial for the party to have a viable contender against Newsom in the general election.

Polling data consistently shows both Hilton and Bianco performing well among Republican voters, while Democrats have yet to coalesce around a single frontrunner in the traditionally blue state. The dynamic suggests a competitive primary battle within the Republican party, with Hilton now directly challenging Bianco’s standing.

The debate, held on February 3, 2026, at the Bayview Opera House in San Francisco, showcased the growing tension between the two Republican candidates. Hilton’s post-debate comments underscored his determination to differentiate himself from Bianco and appeal to conservative voters.

The outcome of the primary election will be closely watched, as it will likely determine who will challenge Newsom in the November general election. The race is unfolding against a backdrop of significant political and social issues in California, including housing affordability, homelessness and climate change.