Hilton Tops New Gov Poll, Warns of GOP 'Spoiler'

Fresno Republican leads crowded field, calls for party unity to beat Democrats

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A new Emerson College poll shows British-born Republican Steve Hilton leading the crowded field of candidates for California governor, with 17% support. However, Hilton warned that other GOP campaigns could act as 'spoilers' and split the Republican vote, allowing two Democrats to advance to the general election - a 'total disaster' that would end the chance for change in the state.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is shaping up to be a highly competitive and consequential election, with the potential to shift the political landscape in the nation's most populous state. Hilton's strong performance and warning about a potential GOP 'spoiler' candidate highlight the high stakes and complex dynamics at play.

The details

The Emerson College poll shows Hilton leading the field with 17% support, followed by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) and Sheriff Chad Bianco (R) at 14% each, former Rep. Katie Porter (D) at 10%, and Tom Steyer (D) at 9%. 21% of voters remain undecided. In a statement, Hilton called for other Republican candidates to unite behind his 'Golden Ticket' of himself, Gloria Romero for Lieutenant Governor, Michael Gates for Attorney General, and Herb Morgan for State Controller, warning that a divided GOP could 'allow two Democrats into the top two' in the primary, 'a total disaster' for the chance of change in California.

  • The Emerson College poll was released on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Steve Hilton

A British-born Republican candidate for California governor, currently leading the crowded field of candidates in the latest Emerson College poll.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman running for California governor.

Chad Bianco

A Republican sheriff running for California governor.

Katie Porter

A former Democratic congresswoman running for California governor.

Tom Steyer

A Democratic candidate for California governor.

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What they’re saying

“Californians can see that it's time for an outsider to shake up a system that obviously isn't working. We're building the only Republican campaign that can unite the party, bring in independents, and beat the Democrat machine in November.”

— Steve Hilton

“But there is a real danger that other Republican campaigns act as a spoiler, splitting the vote to allow two Democrats into the top two. That would be a total disaster, ending our chance for change in California. So now is the time for other Republicans to unite behind the Golden Ticket: Steve Hilton and his running mates Gloria Romero for Lieutenant Governor, Michael Gates for Attorney General, and Herb Morgan for State Controller. This is the strong, united team that will work to fight fraud and corruption through CAL DOGE, deal forcefully with crime, homelessness, and educational failure, and above all make our state Califordable.”

— Steve Hilton

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.