Surprise Republican and Former Fox News Host Takes Lead In California Governor's Race

Steve Hilton, the former Fox News personality, is currently ahead in California's 2026 gubernatorial primary race, according to a new Emerson College poll.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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An Emerson College survey indicates that Steve Hilton, the former Fox News personality, is currently ahead in California's 2026 gubernatorial primary race. Close behind him is former Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Meanwhile, the crowded Democratic lineup has sparked discussion about the unusual possibility that no Democrat could appear in the general election.

Why it matters

This race highlights the potential for a Republican to win the California governorship, which has been dominated by Democrats for decades. The large number of Democratic candidates could split the vote and allow a Republican to advance to the general election, which would be an unusual outcome in the heavily Democratic state.

The details

The Emerson poll shows Hilton leading the field with 17% support, followed by Bianco and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) tied for second place at 14%. Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter placed next at 10%, while Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer earned 9%. Compared to Emerson's December survey, Hilton's support increased by five percentage points. Hilton's campaign has focused on affordability concerns, particularly housing costs and homelessness, along with efforts to challenge what he characterizes as California's longstanding Democratic one-party control.

  • The primary election will take place June 2, 2026.
  • The Emerson poll was conducted Feb. 13–14 with 1,000 likely voters.

The players

Steve Hilton

A former Fox News host who is currently leading the Republican field in the California governor's race.

Chad Bianco

The former Riverside County Sheriff who is in second place in the Republican field.

Eric Swalwell

A U.S. Representative from California who is tied for second place in the Democratic field.

Katie Porter

A former U.S. Representative from California who is in fourth place in the Democratic field.

Tom Steyer

A Democratic billionaire who is in fifth place in the Democratic field.

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What they’re saying

“We have the world's #1 ag industry but it's under constant assault by Gavin Newsom and his urban elitist regime. I went to World Ag Expo in Tulare to tell our farmers: When I'm governor you'll get the water – and everything else – you need. I will be your greatest champion!”

— Steve Hilton (Twitter)

What’s next

The primary election will take place on June 2, 2026, and the two candidates receiving the most votes will move on to the November general election.

The takeaway

This race highlights the potential for a Republican to win the California governorship, which has been dominated by Democrats for decades. The large number of Democratic candidates could split the vote and allow a Republican to advance to the general election, which would be an unusual outcome in the heavily Democratic state.