Republican Captures 75%—Top Democrats Didn’t Even Show

A lone Republican just dominated California’s first gubernatorial debate, crushing a field of Democrats in a stunning upset that signals deep-blue California voters may finally be ready to end 16 years of one-party rule.

Story Snapshot

Steve Hilton secured 75% support in post-debate instant polling, demolishing Democratic rivals in California’s first 2026 gubernatorial debate
The former Fox News host promised $3 per gallon gas, tax cuts on the first $100,000 of income, and a “sledgehammer” to California’s bloated bureaucracy
Hilton leads fundraising with nearly $6 million from 30,000 grassroots donors while top Democratic candidates skipped the debate entirely
California faces $4.37 per gallon gas, costs $35,000 higher per resident than national average, and an estimated $250 billion in fraud and waste under Democratic control

Hilton Dominates Debate as Sole Republican Voice

Steve Hilton emerged as the clear winner of California’s February 3, 2026 gubernatorial debate at San Francisco’s Ruth Williams Opera House, capturing between 53% and 75% in Fox Local instant polling. The former Fox News host and David Cameron advisor stood as the only Republican among seven candidates, outperforming Democratic San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan who received just 17%. Top Democratic contenders Katie Porter and Eric Swalwell failed to appear, handing Hilton an opportunity to dominate the stage. His aggressive critique of 16 years of Democratic governance resonated with viewers frustrated by California’s mounting crises.

Concrete Solutions Against Failed Democratic Policies

Hilton delivered specific policy promises that contrast sharply with Democratic proposals for higher taxes and more regulation. He pledged to slash gas prices to $3 per gallon from the current $4.37, eliminate taxes on the first $100,000 of income, and bring a “sledgehammer to the nanny state bureaucracy.” His platform directly addresses working Californians struggling with costs that run $35,000 higher per resident than the national average. Democratic candidates responded with familiar talking points about taxing billionaires and implementing rent control, proposals Hilton dismissed as more of the same failed policies that created California’s affordability crisis.

Fundraising Momentum Fuels Grassroots Campaign

Hilton’s debate performance builds on strong fundraising that established him as the Republican frontrunner. Campaign finance reports confirm he raised nearly $6 million from approximately 30,000 individual donors, leading all non-self-funded candidates in the race. This grassroots support demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for his message of change, particularly among Californians exhausted by one-party Democratic control. Self-funded billionaire Tom Steyer clashed with Hilton during the debate over climate policy and campaign finance, highlighting the stark philosophical divide between conservative limited government principles and progressive expansion of state power.

Top-Two Primary Creates Republican Opportunity

California’s jungle primary system, where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party, creates a potential path for Hilton to reach the general election if Democrats remain divided. His debate dominance occurred while fellow Republican candidate Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff, was absent from the stage. Hilton has criticized Bianco for taking a knee during 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and urged him to exit the race to avoid splitting conservative votes. The fragmented Democratic field, with multiple candidates offering similar progressive platforms, could enable Hilton to finish in the top two when voters cast ballots in the June 2, 2026 primary.

Lone Republican Steve Hilton Emerges As the Surprise Winner of the California Governor Debate
https://t.co/2r0CVX67xm

— Townhall Updates (@TownhallUpdates) February 5, 2026

California Voters Signal Hunger for Change

Hilton’s overwhelming poll victory reflects broader discontent with Democratic governance that has produced California’s homelessness crisis, high unemployment, and widespread poverty despite the state’s wealth. He and advisor Herb Morgan have called for a Department of Justice investigation into an estimated $250 billion in fraud, waste, and corruption under 16 years of Democratic control. California has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2006, and Gavin Newsom survived a 2021 recall effort. However, Hilton’s debate performance suggests California voters may finally be ready to restore balance by ending one-party rule that has consistently prioritized progressive ideology over practical solutions for working families.