GOP candidate cites ‘failure’ of Newsom, Dems as new poll shows Republicans leading crowded California field
'People are infuriated when they see illegal immigrants in our state getting rewarded and getting away with crime,' said GOP candidate Steve Hilton
By Peter Pinedo Fox News
Published March 18, 2026 11:30am EDT
California Republican gubernatorial candidate sounds off on Newsom leadership
Steve Hilton, a legal immigrant and political newcomer running as a Republican for governor of California, said the "absolute failure on every front" by current Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats means the GOP has a real shot at pulling off an upset in the Golden State.
Though California has long since been written off by many as a progressive stronghold, the most recent polling indicates Hilton may be right.
On Wednesday, Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies released a poll showing Hilton leading California voter preferences at 17 percent. Another Republican, Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, follows at 16 percent. Both Republicans are ahead of the two top Democratic names, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and former Rep. Katie Porter, who are each at 13 percent.
"I know people look at California and assume that it's going to be Democrat forever. It's a deep blue state, but people here are sick of it. There's a revolution brewing in California," Hilton told Fox News Digital, adding, "This is our year."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-candidate-cites-failure-newsom-dems-new-poll-shows-republicans-leading-crowded-california-field
