[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "give%20me%20600%20words%20on%20stee%20hilton%20the%20candidate%20in%20the%20california%20gubernatorial%20primary.%20tell%20me%20about%20his%20background%20in%20the%20british%20conservative%20party%20-%20his%20role%20working%20for%20david%20cameron%20and%20waht%20he%20is%20credited%20with%20at%20that%20time%20in%20particular%20big%20society%20and%20compassionate%20conservatism.%20tell%20me%20what%20his%20political%20views%20are%20like%20now%20on%20the%20american%20right%20and%20whether%20he%20has%20publically%20supported%20trump"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a profile of Steve Hilton\u2014his background, role in the British Conservatives under David Cameron (particularly with *Big Society* and related ideas), and how his views have evolved now as he runs for Governor of California, including his relationship with Donald Trump.\n\n---\n\n## Early Life & British Conservative Roots\n\n- Steve Hilton was born in London in August 1969 to Hungarian parents who fled the Soviet suppression of the 1956 Hungarian uprising. His family faced financial hardship early on, especially after his parents separated. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Hilton?utm_source=openai))  \n- He attended Christ\u2019s Hospital School in Sussex on a bursary, then studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at New College, Oxford\u2014a traditional training ground for British politicians. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Hilton?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Role Under David Cameron & \u201cBig Society\u201d\n\n- After university, Hilton worked at Conservative Central Office, where he helped shape political messaging and branding. He was closely associated with David Cameron, who became leader of the Conservative Party in 2005. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Hilton?utm_source=openai))  \n- From May 2010 to May 2012, Hilton served as Director of Strategy for Prime Minister Cameron. In that role, he was one of Cameron\u2019s top advisers. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Hilton?utm_source=openai))  \n\n### Big Society & Compassionate Conservatism\n\n- A signature idea during Cameron\u2019s early premiership was the **Big Society**, which Hilton developed. It aimed to combine free-market economics with a more socially conscious conservatism\u2014what was often called **\"compassionate conservatism\"**. Later writing and reporting suggest Hilton wanted to reduce the size of government, cut welfare, decentralize power to communities, encourage volunteering, empower local citizens, and open public services to non-governmental actors. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Society?utm_source=openai))  \n- Policies tied to Big Society included creating a *Big Society Bank*, launching volunteer or citizen service programs, empowering nonprofits and charitable groups to run public services or parts thereof, and boosting localism via legal and regulatory changes. ([jbs.cam.ac.uk](https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/faculty-stott-big-society-challenge-2011.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- The idea was also aligned with \u201cOne Nation\u201d style conservatism and a move away from the more austere, small-state rhetoric\u2014at least in branding\u2014by showing social responsibility, community bonds, and civic duty. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/mar/02/steve-hilton-big-society-guru?utm_source=openai))  \n\n- However, Big Society policies were never fully embraced by all within the Conservative Party. Some traditionalists saw them as vague or too soft. Ultimately, after 2013, both the rhetoric and political energy behind Big Society began to decline; its network was dissolved in 2014. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Society?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## U.S. Life & Shift in Views\n\n- Hilton moved to California in 2012, naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2021. He worked in media (hosting *The Next Revolution* on Fox News), as a tech entrepreneur, and as a commentator. He has become associated with populist conservative commentary in the U.S. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Hilton?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Views in the California Gubernatorial Race\n\n### Core Positions\n\n- **Taxes & Affordability:** Hilton's central pitch is making California more affordable. He proposes eliminating state income tax on the first $100,000 of earnings, cutting waste, lowering energy costs, reforming housing and construction regulations, and freezing in-state college tuition. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/7a5ee493ef386593c7e8aef88838aa89?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Immigration & Law Enforcement:** He frames himself as \u201cthe candidate of the legal immigrant community.\u201d While supporting legal immigration, Hilton says California should not obstruct federal immigration enforcement. He opposes using illegal immigration as a lever for economic growth, and believes current state leaders have failed by resisting federal immigration laws. He also wants to end state-funded healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants. ([americancommunitymedia.org](https://americancommunitymedia.org/politics/restore-the-ladder-of-opportunity-steve-hilton-vows-affordability-immigration-compliance/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Labor & Regulation:** Hilton has criticized unions\u2014particularly their role in project labor agreements\u2014as inflating the cost of housing, delaying projects, and limiting growth. He wants to loosen regulatory constraints, especially in housing construction and development. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/06/02/gov-hopeful-steve-hilton-wants-make-california-golden-again/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Alignment with Trump & Public Support\n\n- Donald Trump publicly **endorsed Hilton** in early April 2026. Trump called him \u201ca truly fine man\u201d and said a \u201cgreat governor, like Steve Hilton,\u201d could help turn California around. This endorsement has given Hilton a boost in Republican primary support. ([edition-prod-cf.sitemirror.cnn.com](https://edition-prod-cf.sitemirror.cnn.com/2026/04/06/politics/steve-hilton-trump-endorsement-california-hnk?utm_source=openai))  \n- In terms of ideological alignment: Hilton supports many policy positions popular in the Trump-aligned Republican coalition\u2014tougher immigration enforcement, lower taxes, deregulation\u2014but he also presents himself with a more technocratic and managerial style. He\u2019s not as overtly combative or culturally inflammatory (at least publicly) as Trump is on certain issues. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/06/02/gov-hopeful-steve-hilton-wants-make-california-golden-again/?utm_source=openai))  \n- He has also publicly defended Trump\u2019s immigration policies. For example, he said, \u201cEverybody supports \u2026 closing our southern border and stopping this \u2026 undermining of the law we saw in the Biden years.\u201d ([abc7.com](https://abc7.com/post/republican-california-governor-candidate-steve-hilton-says-everybody-supports-trumps-immigration-policies/18650703/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Comparison: Then vs. Now\n\n| Area | Under Cameron / Big Society | As Candidate for California Governor |\n|------|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------|\n| Size of government | Sought to shrink government involvement; shift public services toward community/orgs and voluntary sector. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Society?utm_source=openai)) | Still emphasizes cutting waste and reducing taxes; wants to reduce regulatory burden, especially in housing and labor. |\n| Social welfare vs civic responsibility | Emphasized welfare reform; reducing dependence; citizen participation. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Society?utm_source=openai)) | Emphasizes personal responsibility, legal immigration, cutting state-funded benefits for undocumented immigrants, welfare reform. |\n| Immigration policy | Immigration was less central to Big Society; policy focus was more institutional/community. | Immigration is central: strong support for enforcing federal law, ending state policies that resist cooperation. |\n| Populism / Political strategy | A more centrist, modernizing conservatism; \u201cOne Nation\u201d style; appeal to moderate voters. | More populist in style: rhetoric emphasizing elites, government incompetence, California as failed state; alignment with the Trump orbit. |\n\n---\n\n## What He Is Credited With in the U.K.\n\n- Hilton is widely acknowledged as one of the main architects of the Big Society idea\u2014its framing, early policy blueprint, and moral vision. That includes creating mechanisms like the *Big Society Bank*, recruiting thousands of \u201ccommunity organisers,\u201d launching the National Citizen Service for teens, opening up public services to the voluntary sector, and introducing localism via the **Localism Act 2011**. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Society?utm_source=openai))  \n- He is also credited with helping rebrand the Conservative Party under Cameron\u2014from one seen as austere and distant, to more socially aware and modern\u2014though some critics argue this was more style than substance in many respects. Traditional Tory members often resisted Hilton's softer tone, especially around themes of compassion, social justice, and environmental concern. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/mar/02/steve-hilton-big-society-guru?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Overall Assessment\n\nSteve Hilton has made a dramatic shift from being a behind-the-scenes strategist in British conservative politics to a public, high-stakes Republican candidate in deep-blue California. His political philosophy retains core conservative convictions\u2014smaller government, lower taxes, law and order\u2014but they are now infused with populist and nationalist tones more common to the MAGA coalition, especially with respect to immigration and enforcement.\n\nHis endorsement by Donald Trump shows that alignment. While Trump is unpopular in California overall, that endorsement helps consolidate GOP primary voters. Hilton, for his part, has welcomed it, though in public statements he sometimes frames his views in less combative terms about governance and practicality. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/8bfb56b7938205687de5248a380c9ace?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can pull up specific critiques of his plans for California, comparisons with previous California governors, or polling data showing how likely he is to advance in November."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "under%20what%20circumstances%20did%20he%20leave%20downing%20street%20ws%20he%20fired"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Steve Hilton was **not fired** from Downing Street; rather, he **resigned/took a sabbatical** in 2012 under circumstances that involved frustration with bureaucracy, the difficulty of implementing his ideas, and a desire to move his young family, including a sabbatical in the U.S. Here are the key details:\n\n---\n\n## What Happened in 2012\n\n- In **March 2012**, Downing Street announced that Hilton would take an unpaid **one-year sabbatical** (starting in summer) to visit **Stanford University** in California. The official story was that he would teach, research, write, and focus on innovation in government, public services, and communities. He planned to spend that time with his wife and young son. ([politics.co.uk](https://www.politics.co.uk/news/2012/03/02/downing-street-shaken-as-modernising-tory-strategist-quits/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Although this was presented as a sabbatical, many media reports described it more like a departure or partial exit from his role as David Cameron\u2019s Director of Strategy. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/mar/02/steve-hilton-big-society-guru?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Why He Left (His Reasons & Context)\n\n- One consistent theme: **frustration with governmental bureaucracy** and the slow pace\u2014or apparent resistance\u2014of implementing the ambitious agenda that Hilton had championed. ([newstatesman.com](https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2012/03/hilton-government-cameron?utm_source=openai))  \n- The \u201cBig Society\u201d agenda, of which Hilton was a chief architect, had stalled. Many felt that its early ambition wasn\u2019t matching up to practical political or administrative results. Implementing ideas across the civil service proved challenging. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/mar/02/steve-hilton-big-society-guru?utm_source=openai))  \n- There was also a sense of being constrained by coalition government dynamics (since after the 2010 election, the Conservatives had to share power with the Liberal Democrats) and by other senior staff and civil service processes. Hilton\u2019s more radical ideas and methods clashed at times with traditionalists, or with parts of the establishment who found them vague or impractical. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/mar/04/policy-chief-departure-betrays-tory-policy-anger?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Was He Fired?\n\n- No credible sources show that Steve Hilton was fired. All major reporting treats his exit as voluntary, either a resignation or leave of absence. Even reports that suggest tension or falling out with colleagues don\u2019t assert formal dismissal. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/dec/19/former-david-cameron-strategy-chief-steve-hilton-signs-fox-news-deal?utm_source=openai))  \n- For example, *The Guardian* describes that he \u201cquit in 2012, having fallen out with Tory colleagues after taking on the role of enforcer.\u201d But \u201cquit\u201d and \u201cfall out\u201d are not the same as being fired. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/dec/19/former-david-cameron-strategy-chief-steve-hilton-signs-fox-news-deal?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Outcome & Aftermath\n\n- Hilton couched his departure in positive terms: a research opportunity and time with family. Despite that, insiders interpreted some part of his move as an escape from disillusionment with politics-as-practice. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/mar/02/steve-hilton-big-society-guru?utm_source=openai))  \n- After his sabbatical, he didn\u2019t reintegrate into a central position in Downing Street as Director of Strategy. By 2015, he made clear he would **not return** to be a campaign strategist for Cameron\u2019s general election bid. ([independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/pms-strategy-guru-steve-hilton-is-not-returning-for-general-election-10093664.html?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can pull up specific internal memos or leaks that might shed light on the precise tensions between him and Cameron\u2019s government machinery\u2014things like disagreements over policy, implementation, or style."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "how%20has%20the%20californian%20media%20reacted%20to%20him%20and%20to%20him%20being%20a%20brit"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a breakdown of how California media\u2014and broader press\u2014has reacted to Steve Hilton\u2019s candidacy, especially in light of his being British-born. These responses come mostly from local California outlets, national media, and commentary/opinion pieces.\n\n---\n\n## What the Media Is Saying\n\n### 1. **Focusing on His Background**\n\n- Articles regularly highlight Hilton\u2019s British roots as part of his appeal and criticism alike. For example, *The Washington Post* notes he **\u201cmoved to the United States in 2012 from the United Kingdom\u201d** and became a citizen in 2021. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/06/03/california-governor-hilton-republican-becerra/34aaf5c0-5f9a-11f1-9c46-d6211372eede_story.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- *The Los Angeles Times* emphasizes he is \u201coriginally from England\u201d when discussing his campaign launch, giving voters a sense of his outsider status. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2025-04-22/steve-hilton-launches-california-governor-bid-in-huntington-beach?utm_source=openai))  \n\nThese details are used to frame both novelty and potential liability: novelty in being different, a fresh face, but potential liability in terms of \u201ctarred\u201d outsider status.\n\n---\n\n### 2. **Questioning Intimacy With California Culture**\n\n- There\u2019s been critical coverage of incidents raising questions about his local knowledge. Famously, *The Guardian* reports a video in which Hilton, holding a hard-shell tortilla from Del Taco, refers to it as a \u201cstreet taco,\u201d prompting mockery from food writers and supporters alike for misidentifying staple local cuisine. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/11/california-governor-candidate-mocked-street-taco?utm_source=openai))  \n- Such moments are leveraged by critics and satirists to paint him as \u201cfake Californian\u201d or not grounded in everyday reality. *The Independent* picked up this criticism too, portraying the taco mix-up as \u201cinstantly disqualifying\u201d in some circles. ([the-independent.com](https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/california-governor-steve-hilton-del-taco-b2974436.html?utm_source=openai))  \n\nThese stories often get amplified online but are picked up in media as evidence of Hilton\u2019s outsider status and missteps.\n\n---\n\n### 3. **Fairly Widespread Skepticism**\n\n- Commentators and columnists frequently question whether a candidate with relatively little experience in California politics\u2014even less in public office\u2014can lead the state. The *Guardian*\u2019s commentary notes UK political veterans were \u201csurprised\u201d by his candidacy and raised doubts about his being \u201can ideologue rather than doer,\u201d or whether he's \u201cnot a serious politician.\u201d ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/11/california-governor-candidate-mocked-street-taco?utm_source=openai))  \n- National and local outlets also often frame Hilton as a \u201cformer commentator\u201d or \u201cmedia personality,\u201d implying his career has been more about commentary than elected leadership. *CapRadio* describes him as a \u201cBritish-American entrepreneur, former Fox News commentator,\u201d reminding readers that his political resume in the U.S. is relatively light. ([capradio.org](https://www.capradio.org/articles/2026/05/05/former-political-adviser-commentator-lays-out-his-plans-to-make-the-state-califordable-as-governor/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### 4. **Balance of Criticism and Opportunity**\n\n- Some media portray his foreign background as actually giving him a unique perspective. In *The Atlantic*, for example, a feature acknowledges what makes Hilton interesting: a British strategist turned U.S. political outsider who could either validate or disrupt California\u2019s entrenched systems. ([theatlantic.com](https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/california-governor-campaign-swalwell/686844/?utm_source=openai))  \n- The Sacramento Bee covered a symbolic moment where Hilton, speaking on election night, opened a jacket lined with American and California flags, saying, \u201cI am a proud American \u2026 And I am a very proud Californian.\u201d The coverage suggests this deliberate signaling may be part of addressing concerns about his origins. ([sacbee.com](https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article315993223.html?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Overall Tone & Dominant Media Frames\n\nFrom what I've seen, three frames dominate coverage of Hilton\u2019s origins:\n\n1. **Outsider/Novice** \u2014 As someone not from California and lacking in local political experience, media often question whether he understands the state\u2019s specific challenges\u2014cultural, economic, and political.  \n2. **Authenticity & Cultural Fit** \u2014 The taco incident is just one example. Media often highlight small local or cultural missteps as proofs of lack of connection or authenticity.  \n3. **Foreign-Born, but Establishing Ties** \u2014 Some coverage emphasizes how Hilton is trying to assimilate and show loyalty: references to his citizenship, symbolic actions like the flag-lined jacket, and perseverance to show he\u2019s \u201cone of the people.\u201d  \n\nCriticism tends to outnumber praise regarding his background, especially among more liberal or progressive outlets. Conservative or right-leaning media, or outlets with base in Republican strongholds, tend to treat his British background as background detail, focusing more heavily on his policy platform, critiques of Democratic governance, or populist messaging.\n\n---\n\n## Key Takeaways\n\n- Hilton\u2019s British origins are often presented as both risk and storyline. They're used by supporters to differentiate him, but also by critics to undercut his credibility or suggest detachment.\n- Media coverage tends to play heavily on symbolic blunders. Even a \u201cstreet taco\u201d mislabeling becomes serious fodder entrainment in local culture conversations.\n- Hilton and his campaign seem to anticipate these issues: raising American citizenship, highlighting immigrant roots of his family, performing acts meant to prove alignment with local identity.\n\nIf you like, I could pull up analysis on how voters are responding to his British background\u2014or whether it\u2019s likely to affect his performance in November."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "where%20does%20he%20currently%20sit%20in%20the%20counting%20for%20the%20primary%20and%20is%20he%20the%20most%20likely%20republican%20to%20make%20the%20run%20off%20in%20november"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s where Steve Hilton currently stands in the California governor primary and whether he\u2019s likely to make the November runoff under California\u2019s top-two system.\n\n---\n\n## Current Count & Vote Share\n\n- Early, **unofficial results** from the California Secretary of State show Steve Hilton leading with approximately **1,386,966 votes** \u2014 about **27.8%** of ballots counted as of early morning after the June 2 primary. ([sfstandard.com](https://sfstandard.com/2026/06/03/california-governor-primary-election-results/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Behind him are Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer. Becerra is in second, though the margin is narrow and vote counting is still ongoing in some counties. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/8bfb56b7938205687de5248a380c9ace?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Polling Before the Primary\n\n- In late May 2026, an **Emerson College poll** showed Becerra leading at 28%, Steyer at 22%, and Hilton trailing close behind at 21%. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-30/xavier-becerra-california-governor-emerson-college-poll-results-tom-steyer-steve-hilton?utm_source=openai))  \n- Another poll from **Echelon Insights** shortly before the primary had Hilton in the lead overall at **25%**, with Steyer about 18% and Becerra 15%. This suggested Hilton was the frontrunner both among Republicans and in the broader field. ([nbcpalmsprings.com](https://www.nbcpalmsprings.com/2026/05/27/new-poll-shows-steve-hilton-leading-california-governors-race?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## What the Top-Two System Means & Hilton\u2019s Chances\n\n- Under California\u2019s \u201c**top-two jungle primary**\u201d system, the *two candidates with the most votes*, regardless of party, advance to the general election. That means it\u2019s possible for two Democrats to run in November\u2014if Republican vote is split or Democratic candidates are strong and numerous. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-28/becerra-leads-governors-race-hilton-steyer-in-tight-contest-for-second-spot?utm_source=openai))  \n- Given the early vote count and polling, Steve Hilton appears to be in solid position to **advance** to the general election. He\u2019s steadily in first with ~27\u201328%, holding a lead over Becerra, with Steyer behind both. The primary hasn\u2019t officially been called yet in most sources. ([sfstandard.com](https://sfstandard.com/2026/06/03/california-governor-primary-election-results/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Are His Chances the Best Among Republicans?\n\n- Yes\u2014he seems to be currently the **most likely Republican** to make the general election in November. Other Republicans in the race, like Chad Bianco, trailed Hilton significantly in most recent polling. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-30/xavier-becerra-california-governor-emerson-college-poll-results-tom-steyer-steve-hilton?utm_source=openai))  \n- Many outlets characterize Hilton and Becerra as the frontrunners now, with Steyer close but slightly behind. Given the current tally and how fast his lead holds, Hilton is in the strongest position among GOP contenders. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/3954393a06fbf8b7fc11b0d2e6e90d40?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIn short: **Steve Hilton is leading** with ~27\u201328% in early results, **likely to make the top two** in November, and currently **the most plausible Republican** to do so\u2014assuming nothing dramatic shifts during counting. If you like, I can track how outstanding mail-in or late ballots might shift the results in key regions."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "when%20was%20the%20last%20time%20a%20republican%20made%20it%20to%20the%20run-off%20in%20california%20for%20governor"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "The most recent time a Republican made it through the primary to the general election (i.e. was one of the top-two vote-getters) in California\u2019s gubernatorial race was in **2018**, when **John Cox** (Republican) advanced along with **Gavin Newsom** (Democrat). ([cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/06/gavin-newsom-and-john-cox-advance-in-california-governors-race.html?utm_source=openai))\n\nTo give a bit more context:\n\n- John Cox secured one of the top two spots on June 5, 2018, in the primary. At the time, Newsom was first with around 33% of the vote, Cox followed in second with ~26%. ([cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/06/gavin-newsom-and-john-cox-advance-in-california-governors-race.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- Cox then faced Newsom in the November general election, ultimately losing. ([cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/06/gavin-newsom-and-john-cox-advance-in-california-governors-race.html?utm_source=openai))\n\nSince then, no Republican candidate has made it past the primary to the general in a California governor\u2019s race until potentially in 2026, where early results and polling suggest that **Steve Hilton** is currently in a solid position. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_California_gubernatorial_election?utm_source=openai))\n\nIf you want, I can list out all the recent gubernatorial primaries and which Republican candidates nearly made the top-two, to show how often this scenario has happened (or nearly happened)."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "who%20was%20the%20last%20republican%20to%20be%20lected%20governor%20of%20california"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "The most recent Republican to be elected Governor of California was **Arnold Schwarzenegger**, who won a special recall election in 2003 and then was re-elected in the regular gubernatorial election in **2006**. ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/when-was-california-considered-a-red-state/?utm_source=openai))\n\nHere\u2019s a quick timeline:\n\n- Schwarzenegger first became governor in 2003, replacing Gray Davis via a recall election. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_of_California?utm_source=openai))  \n- He then won re-election in the regular election held in **November 2006**, serving until January 2011. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Republican_Party?utm_source=openai))\n\nSince then, no Republican has won the governorship. If you want, I can map out all the Republican governors since, say, 1980, to show how competitive the races have been."
    }
]