A Tale Of Two Candidates: Steve Hilton Vs Chad Bianco

This year’s governor’s race is shaping up to be one of the most consequential elections in California’s modern history. For months, I’ve been closely following the campaigns of the two Republican candidates, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. Early on, the two were statistically tied. But something shifted in March and Hilton began pulling ahead, and the reasons for that shift reveal two very different campaign philosophies, messages, and styles.

Hilton’s rise began when he launched a series of town halls centered on making California affordable again which he dubbed " Califordable". One of Hilton’s most galvanizing proposals was eliminating state income tax on the first $100,000 of income, a bold idea in a state with some of the highest taxes in the nation. At these town halls, he broke down why California’s cost of living, housing, gas, utilities, and basic goods is so much higher than in other states. He pointed to what he calls the “nanny state”: a web of agencies and regulations (CARB, BAAQMD, CEQA, and others) that slow down building, inflate costs, and suffocate business growth.

Having read his book "Califailure", I was struck by how deeply he understands the structural problems California faces and how detailed and well thought out his solutions are.

Hilton also did something unusual in California politics: He built a slate, the "Golden Ticket", teaming up with candidates for Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Controller & Sec of State.

These are the offices that shape the direction of the state. By forming a coalition, Hilton framed the election not as a one‑man crusade, but as a team effort to restore California to the Golden State it once was.

This collaborative, movement‑based approach mirrors the strategy Donald Trump used, making supporters feel like “we” are in this together, not watching a politician act alone and it worked. Town halls grew with hundreds of people showing up to hear Hiltons plan to restore California. Social media clips of Hilton traveling the state showing the consequences of progressive policies spread quickly. People felt seen, heard, and included and momentum grew.

Bianco’s Solo Campaign and Early Headwinds:

Chad Bianco who is currently the elected Sheriff for Riverside County launched his campaign in February 2025 and ran a more traditional, individual‑centered campaign. His message also focused on affordability and crime and safety, but the tone was different:

Hilton talked about “what we will do.”

Bianco talked about “what I will do.”

From the beginning, Bianco faced challenges:

A video circulated showing him kneeling with Black Lives Matter. Bianco said he was praying, but voters were left to interpret the footage themselves.

Statistics on an excessive number of jail deaths and lawsuits that plagued Riverside county under his watch surfaced.

Another video surfaced where he said illegal immigrants were “invited by Joe Biden” so were actually here legally, and suggesting a path to citizenship for all of them.

These moments created doubts among conservative voters, especially in a year when immigration is a top concern.

Endorsements and Party Dynamics:

Neither Hilton nor Bianco secured the California GOP endorsement, which requires a two‑thirds vote. But Hilton gained momentum with high‑profile endorsements from President Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk and Pastor Jack Hibbs.

These endorsements energized the conservative grassroots and reinforced Hilton’s image as the populist candidate leading a broader movement.

By April, the contrast between the campaigns became clear:

Hilton built a coalition (Golden Ticket), Focused on “we,” not “I”, held large, energetic town halls, offered detailed, structural reforms, Used social media effectively, Presented a hopeful, collective vision

Bianco ran a solo campaign, faced early controversies, messaging centered on personal leadership and did not build a broader slate or movement

Hilton’s campaign tapped into something deeper: a sense that California can be saved only if everyone works together. He didn’t make the race about himself he made it about all of us.

After decades of rising taxes, soaring costs, worsening homelessness, and a steady decline in quality of life, Republicans are faced with a choice between two candidates.

As it stands today, polls and support scores driven by AI metrics all show Hilton with a significant lead over Bianco. With Californias jungle primary only the top two candidates make it to November and splitting the vote between Hilton and Bianco has put Republicans at risk of a total shut out. Ending up with two Democrats to pick from in November will be completely demoralizing and Republican turnout will be so low, we will not be able to pass voter ID or any of the other issues on the ballot. We will likely lose congressional, assembly and senate seats as well.

With only two days left to vote, I urge everyone to get to the polls and cast your vote for the only candidate that has the chance to make it to the top two. Don't let the Democrats steal the governor's seat without spending a dime to fight a Republican. This is the greatest opportunity California has had in decades to see real change happen. Will Republicans blow it once again or will we finally unite for the chance to restore California? Our future is on the line. Wisdom and common sense shows we must get behind the leading candidate to guarantee a chance for change!