OAN Staff Dana Alexa
6:35 PM – Wednesday, June 3, 2026
California gubernatorial frontrunner Steve Hilton wasted no time capitalizing on his campaign’s momentum, declaring that the fight to reshape the state’s political landscape begins “right now.”
While speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Hilton (R-Calif.) shared several announcements about his campaign as he looked ahead to November’s general election as ballot counting continued across the Golden State.
“We’re very confident that Californians will have the chance to vote for change in November, and there’ll be a choice between four more years of the same or a new direction,” Hilton said.
He criticized the state’s economic climate, emphasizing that California struggles with some of the highest tax, poverty, and unemployment rates in the country—factors he argued are driving away businesses and making it unaffordable for families to stay.
As of Wednesday morning, the Republican leads the crowded field, holding out a lead on Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer.
Following the early vote drops, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to congratulate Hilton. He also reiterated that the federal government would stand ready to assist the state should Hilton capture the governor’s mansion in November.
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