California Republican gubernatorial candidate sounds off on Newsom leadership California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton sounded off Gov. Gavin Newsom’s leadership calling him an "absolute failure on every front." NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Steve Hilton, a legal immigrant and political newcomer running as a Republican for governor of California, said the "absolute failure on every front" by current Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats means the GOP has a real shot