Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton falls short in California race

The last time a Republican won a statewide office in California was in 2006, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was reelected governor, according to the Los Angeles Times. On election night in 2026, Republican candidate Steve Hilton received roughly 35.1% of the vote with about 67% of ballots counted, trailing previous GOP candidates who each received over 4 million votes.

Hilton's campaign focused heavily on affordability issues, including proposals to reduce gas prices to $3 a gallon and cut car registration fees to $73 annually. However, polling from the USC Democracy and Fair Elections Lab indicated that opposition to President Trump and the Republican Party was the primary motivator for voters in several congressional districts, surpassing concerns about affordability.

The GOP's share of the vote in this election was the lowest for a Republican gubernatorial candidate in California since 1914. Supporters like Michael Steel from Ventura County had hoped Hilton's bipartisan tone would lead to an upset victory, but the results suggest a continuing challenge for Republicans in statewide races.

The election results highlight ongoing political dynamics in California, where issues such as affordable housing, cost of living, and utilities remain important but are overshadowed by partisan attitudes toward national figures and parties.