Staff Reports
Steve Hilton did something bold today: he publicly told Sheriff Chad Bianco to get out of the California governor’s race. Hilton’s op‑ed argues that Bianco staying in will hand Democrats the win by splitting Republican votes in the state’s strange “top‑two” primary. This is not small talk. With Governor Gavin Newsom openly talking about a “break‑the‑glass” contingency, the stakes are clear — and Republicans need to act like they want to win.
Hilton’s warning and Newsom’s “break‑the‑glass” comment
Hilton’s column makes the obvious math that some in the Republican tent have been avoiding. He says Bianco’s continued presence keeps GOP votes divided and gives Democrats an easy path to a November runoff featuring two Democrats. Governor Gavin Newsom even admitted there’s a “break‑the‑glass” plan if Democrats risk being locked out, which tells you how worried they really are. Newsom tried to downplay it — “I do not see that scenario taking place,” he said — but the very mention of contingency planning is a red flag.
Why Republican unity matters in a top‑two primary
California’s jungle primary sends the top two finishers to the general, no matter the party. That means two Republicans could win, or none could — depending on how the vote breaks. Recent polls show this race is tight. Steve Hilton has been polling near the lead, and Chad Bianco is in the mix in the low to mid‑teens. President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Hilton changed the math for many GOP voters. Small shifts now can decide who makes the top two, so a withdrawal or a consolidation of support matters more than a headline feud.
The ego test: Bianco’s decision could decide the race
Let’s be honest: this is part strategy, part personal rivalry. Hilton and Bianco have sparred at debates and in public, so this op‑ed is both a strategic pitch and a poke at a rival. But California isn’t a proving ground for vanity. If Bianco’s staying in hands Democrats a chance to avoid a real debate on Newsom’s record, that’s a bad trade for the GOP. Republicans should be grownups about this. If one candidate stepping aside gives the party a real shot at the governorship in this blue state, ego must take a back seat to winning.
What to watch next
The primary is coming fast, and the next moves will tell us everything. Watch for Bianco’s response to Hilton’s plea, and look to see whether conservative groups, major donors, or even President Trump push for a single Republican standard‑bearer. Also watch for Democrats to deploy messaging or mail to nudge the vote in their favor — that’s what Newsom hinted at with “break‑the‑glass.” Republicans can either bicker and hand Democrats a November gift or they can unite and force Newsom to defend his record in a real statewide contest. The choice is simple. The clock is not.
