Media personality Steve Hilton enters California gubernatorial race

Fox News - Apr 21st, 2025
Open on Fox News

Steve Hilton, a former Fox News contributor and author, has announced his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race. Hilton aims to succeed Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who is termed out, and promises to address the state's challenges by changing its leadership. Hilton, who co-founded Crowdpac.com and hosted 'The Next Revolution' on Fox News, believes California is in a state of decline under current Democratic leadership. He argues that the 2026 election is crucial for the state's future, as issues like high taxes, poverty, and housing costs push residents out of California.

The entry of Hilton into the race brings significant attention to an already competitive field. On the Democratic side, prominent figures such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Vice President Kamala Harris, who is considering her candidacy after a presidential loss, are potential contenders. The backdrop of this political contest includes California's struggles with crime, homelessness, and fiscal management. Despite the Democratic supermajority, a recent poll suggests that nearly half of likely voters are open to backing a Republican candidate, indicating a potential shift in the political landscape of the state.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights Steve Hilton's entry into the California gubernatorial race, providing a clear narrative about his background and criticisms of the state's current political climate. It succeeds in presenting timely and relevant information that engages readers interested in California politics. However, the story could benefit from greater balance by incorporating diverse perspectives and more transparent sourcing, particularly regarding polling data and potential biases. While the article's clarity and readability are strong, enhancing its accuracy and transparency would improve its overall reliability and impact. By addressing these aspects, the article could offer a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the upcoming election and its implications for California's future.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims about Steve Hilton's candidacy for the California gubernatorial race and the political landscape in California. Hilton's background as a former Fox News contributor and author of "Califailure" is accurately presented. However, some claims, such as the exact impact of one-party Democratic rule in California, require further verification through independent sources. The article does well to mention a recent poll indicating that 48% of likely voters would consider a Republican candidate, but it lacks detailed information about the poll's methodology. Overall, the story contains mostly verifiable information, but some claims need additional context to ensure full accuracy.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on Steve Hilton's perspective and his criticisms of California's current political climate, which may suggest a slight bias towards his viewpoint. While it mentions other potential candidates for the gubernatorial race, it does not provide their perspectives or responses to Hilton's claims. This lack of balance could lead readers to perceive the article as favoring Hilton's narrative. Including viewpoints from Democratic candidates or independent analysts could have provided a more rounded perspective on the issues discussed.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, with a straightforward narrative that is easy to follow. The language is accessible, and the structure logically presents Hilton's candidacy announcement alongside his criticisms of California's current governance. However, the article could benefit from a clearer distinction between factual reporting and opinion, particularly in sections where Hilton's personal views are presented as part of the narrative.

6
Source quality

The primary source of information in the article is an exclusive interview with Steve Hilton, a former Fox News contributor. While this lends some authority to the claims, the reliance on a single source, especially one with potential biases, limits the article's overall reliability. The story would benefit from incorporating insights from independent experts or additional news outlets to provide a broader context and mitigate any perceived bias from relying heavily on Hilton's statements.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in several areas, particularly in explaining the basis for some of its claims. For instance, it mentions a poll result without providing details about the poll's methodology or sample size, which limits the reader's ability to assess the credibility of the data. Additionally, while the article is clear about Hilton's criticisms, it does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might influence his views. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the context of Hilton's statements would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.wrur.org/2025-04-16/steve-hilton-says-things-are-off-track-in-california-where-hes-eyeing-governor-bid
  2. https://sjvsun.com/news/politics/steve-hilton-fox-news-host-and-ex-british-pm-aide-joins-gop-field-for-calif-governor/
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_California_gubernatorial_election
  4. https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/16/steve-hilton-california-governor-doge-elon-musk/
  5. https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/27/steve-hilton-california-governor-00176387