Steve Hilton

Republican block NunitoA minimalist rounded badge reading “Republican” in Republican red using Nunito font REPUBLICAN

Professional Background

Senior Advisor U.K. Prime Minister
News Contributor Fox News Channel

Education & Credentials

Oxford University Bachelor of Arts

Missions & Policies

Tax Reform

Proposes making the first $100,000 of individual income tax-free to reduce the financial burden on middle- and lower-income residents.

Energy Costs

Aims to reduce utility bills by half through the diversification of energy sources and reducing regulatory fees.

Fuel Prices

Targets a reduction in gasoline prices by increasing the production and use of in-state oil and gas resources rather than relying on imported fuel.

Homelessness Enforcement

Advocates for the strict enforcement of laws prohibiting camping on public streets. Proposes removing individuals from encampments for immediate triage and assessment of needs.

Shelter Strategy

Shifts focus from “Housing First” models to “Sober Housing.” Supports the construction of tiny homes as a lower-cost alternative to traditional apartment complexes for the unhoused.

Mental Health Policy

Supports the passage of laws that would allow for involuntary mental health treatment for individuals in crisis. Aims to move psychiatric care out of the jail system and into dedicated medical facilities.

Non-Profit Funding

Proposes a complete review of state homelessness spending, with a policy to eliminate funding for NGOs and non-profits that cannot demonstrate successful outcomes.

Housing Affordability

Focuses on increasing the supply of buyable homes by reducing state-level regulatory hurdles and administrative costs in the construction process.

Agricultural Water Supply

Prioritizes increasing water deliveries to the farming industry through executive orders and appointments to the state Water Resources Control Board.

Government Accountability

Advocates for an overhaul of the state budget to eliminate what he describes as “wasteful spending” and “administrative bloat,” particularly within the education and homelessness sectors.

Higher Education

Proposes freezing tuition at public colleges and universities by cutting administrative costs and eliminating remedial coursework that does not contribute to graduation requirements.

Nonpartisan Governance

Frames the campaign as a nonpartisan effort to address “one-party rule,” focusing on administrative efficiency and results rather than traditional party platforms.

Top 20 Contributors

Steve Hilton$90,099.95
Aubrey Chernick$39,200.00
Christine M Lucchetti$39,200.00
Geoffrey Palmer$39,200.00
Joyce Chernick$39,200.00
Julie Dickson$39,200.00
Pacific Coast Companies Inc$39,200.00
Steven Craig$39,200.00
Susan Groff$39,200.00
Maria Kelly$32,500.00
Richard Spencer$30,000.00
Jeffrey Burns$28,634.64
Cal Pacific Supply$25,000.00
Chris Rufer$25,000.00
David J Taormino$25,000.00
Robert Rosenthal$25,000.00
Carole Middleton$20,000.00
Franklin Stonebanks$20,000.00
Patricia Mozart$20,000.00
Jim Harris$15,000.00
All contributor information is provided by TransparencyUSA.org

Endorsements

Federal Leadership
President Donald Trump
Agriculture & Industry
Nisei Farmers League
Civic & Advocacy
Israeli-American Civic Action Network

Controversial Administrative Record & Inquiries

Public Records
Jeffrey Epstein Case Mention

Court documents unsealed in 2024 related to the Jeffrey Epstein case listed Hilton’s name. While the documents do not imply criminal misconduct, the inclusion has prompted significant media scrutiny during his gubernatorial bid [00:01:05].

Fraud Allegations
“Califraudia” Investigation

Hilton has aggressively claimed the state has lost up to $425 billion to fraud and waste over five years. Critics and state officials have pushed back on these specific figures, questioning the methodology of his “Califraudia” whistleblower reports [00:04:21].

Political Conduct
Dispute with Sheriff Chad Bianco

A public rift emerged with prominent GOP figure Sheriff Chad Bianco, who labeled Hilton a “fraud.” This conflict has sparked inquiries into Hilton’s standing within the Republican coalition and his ability to unite law enforcement interests.

Media Strategy
Direct Accusations Against Officials

Hilton has used his platform to accuse multiple state officials, including Xavier Becerra, of overseeing massive fraud. These combative claims are viewed by some as central to his reform platform and by others as politically motivated hyperbole [00:03:32].