As Republican candidate
Romero's political experience is extensive; she served in the California Legislature from 1998 to 2010, where she played a significant role in shaping education policy. Notably, she was the first woman to hold the position of majority leader in the state senate. In a notable shift, Romero changed her party affiliation from Democratic to Republican in 2024. Her academic credentials include an associate degree from Barstow Community College, a bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach, and a PhD from the University of California, Riverside. Prior to her political career, she worked as an educator.
The role of lieutenant governor is primarily ceremonial, yet it has historically served as a stepping stone to the governorship. Current Governor Gavin Newsom previously held the position, and the incumbent lieutenant governor, Eleni Kounalakis, is unable to seek re-election due to term limits. Romero's candidacy is seen as a strategic move to bolster Hilton's campaign as they both seek to reshape California's political landscape.
On primary day, Trump took to Truth Social to rally support for Hilton, urging California voters to back him. “Vote today for Steve Hilton for Governor,” Trump stated, emphasizing that Hilton would improve California's relationship with the federal government, which he described as strained under Newsom's leadership. Trump expressed confidence in Hilton, asserting, “We will MAKE CALIFORNIA GREAT AGAIN. Steve Hilton will NEVER let you down.” Vice President JD Vance also endorsed Hilton, highlighting the need for better political leadership in California.
Steve Hilton, 56, is an unconventional political candidate with a unique background. Born in Britain to Hungarian immigrants, he was educated at prestigious institutions, including Oxford University. Hilton began his political career as an advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron before relocating to California in 2012. He became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and has since gained recognition as a Fox News host. His financial disclosures reveal that his wife earned $6.7 million in 2024, while Hilton himself reported an income of $250,000, despite losses from a media production business he established. His campaign has attracted significant donations from influential figures, including Rupert Murdoch and Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
