Republican Steve Hilton rockets to lead in California governor’s race

California Post ^ | 2/18/26 | Zain Khan

[Libloather]

Republican Steve Hilton has opened up a surprise lead in the California governors race, according to a new poll.

The Fox News contributor and staunch critic of Gov. Gavin Newsom is leading the crowded field, with 17% support, according to the Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey.

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and GOP candidate Sheriff Chad Bianco are tied for second at 14%, followed by former Rep. Katie Porter at 10%. Billionaire Tom Steyer trails one point behind her.

About 21% of voters remain undecided, a 10-point decrease from the last poll in December, with Hilton gaining 5 points since then.

“The Republican electorate in California is split between Steve Hilton (38%) and Chad Bianco (37%), while Hilton also picks up a plurality of independent voter support at 22%,” said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, the last candidate to join the race, only saw 3.4% support in the poll, putting him toward the bottom of the 12-candidate field.

“Democratic voters have not yet clearly coalesced around one candidate,” Kimball added.

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TOPICS: Business/Economy; History; Local News; Society
KEYWORDS: ca; california; elections; governor; hilton; race; stevehilton

[Libloather]

Turn Cally red again.

[newfreep]

The normal massive Commiefornia voter fraud will never allow a Republican governor...illegal alien invaders will ensure that outcome.

[metmom]

Dear Lord, LET IT BE SO!!!!!

Jack Hibbs, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, is VERY active politically and really endorsing this guy and urging Christians to get out and vote.

This Service of theirs is with Steve Hilton and Michel Gates.

It’s a long interview, about an hour and a half, but contains a wealth of in formation about these candidates for the governor and attorney general’s race inn CA.

You Have No Idea What’s Coming!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLWhHpOyFbM&t=60s

[Zathras]

As much as this would be nice, I consider this highly unlikely.

[Right_Wing_Madman]

As much as this would be nice, I consider this highly unlikely.

The Demonrat candidates are outpolling the GOP 40-31%. I think it will be business as usual in Commiefornia.

By the way, shouldn't someone from the Hilton hotel dynasty afford a pen that doesn't leak over his hand?

[Liz]

Much as I like these reports, they only serve to let
Democrats know the scale of the cheat needed to win.