News/Commentary

Steve Hilton: ‘Change is coming to California–and it’s long overdue …This one is for you, Arnold’

June 3, 2026 | | Print Article

The likely outcome of the hotly contested California gubernatorial primary teased the potential for a first in two decades as the top candidate declared, “Change is coming … and it’s long overdue.”

After surviving recall attempts, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s tenure is set to expire this year, presenting the opportunity for a serious shift in course for the once-Golden State. Tuesday, the primary that included the end of one candidate’s political career for the near-term looked to wrap up, pitting Republican commentator Steve Hilton against Democrat Xavier Becerra, former secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Change is coming to California, and it’s long overdue,” expressed Hilton to his crowd of cheering supporters, a message that he’d featured prominently as the backdrop to the stage.

With the backing of President Donald Trump, estimated results reported by the Associated Press found Hilton in first place for the jungle primary with roughly 28% of the vote after nearly 60% of ballots had been counted. Beating out the next closest Democrat rival, Becerra held a solid second place with over 25% of the vote, ahead of billionaire Tom Steyer in third with under 20%.

Rounding out the top five were Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (R) with over 11% and former California Rep. Katie Porter (D) at less than 5%. Despite having dropped out of the race and Congress over sexual abuse allegations, former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) still earned about 0.4% of the vote, enough to place him just out of the top 10.

“Everything is too expensive in California. We’re going to cut people’s costs,” Hilton told Fox News Digital as he explained that his campaign focused on “honest, simple truths.”

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On the flip side, Becerra described his success as “more than a Hollywood ending. More than a milestone. That’s the everyday miracle of living in a state that makes the improbable seem inevitable. And I couldn’t have done it without you.”

While some focus was put on his supporters, the former official of President Joe Biden’s administration also placed emphasis on demonizing President Donald Trump and his supporters, arguing, “…one day, when power’s pendulum swings back against the chaos, the cruelty and the corruption, when all that remains of MAGA are broken promises, unpaid debts and empty ballrooms, the world will look once again for American renewal and for the state of California to lead the way.”

Should Hilton go on to victory in November, he would be the first Republican to lead California since Arnold Schwarzenegger termed out in 2011. Sharing a similar background with the bodybuilding businessman and actor as a fellow immigrant, the commentator recounted a pledge he made to the Governator that showed him to be both a proud American and a proud Californian.

Hilton told supporters, while showing off the lining of his blazer that featured the flags of America and California, “Arnold, I did that for you.”

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Kevin Haggerty
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