Conservative commentator and Silicon Valley entrepreneur Steve Hilton is the second prominent Republican to enter the 2026 race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Conservative commentator Steve Hilton announced Tuesday that he's joining the 2026 race for California governor, running as a Republican to replace Democrat Gavin Newsom, who is prevented by law from seeking a third term.

Hilton will hold a campaign launch rally in conservative Huntington Beach, with a message critical of California’s Democratic supermajority.