Key facts
- Steve Hilton, former senior adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron, is running for California governor.
Steve Hilton, former senior adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron, is running for California governor as a Republican. He pledges tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced energy costs, aiming to restore the state's 'rebel spirit' and economic dynamism.
The race will test whether a candidate with a background in UK politics can resonate with California voters and challenge the state's long-standing Democratic dominance, potentially signaling a shift in the state's political landscape and policy direction.
Steve Hilton, a former senior adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron, has launched a bid to become California's next governor, presenting his campaign as a movement to restore the state's 'rebel spirit' and economic dynamism.
Hilton, who moved to California in 2012, is running as a Republican on a platform he describes as 'common sense' rather than party ideology. He argues that 16 years of Democratic control have undermined the state's tradition of innovation and economic dynamism. He aims to restore affordability and opportunity by cutting taxes, deregulating, and reducing government waste.
His policy proposals include a tax-free threshold on the first $100,000 of income, sharply lower energy prices, and measures to reduce housing costs. Hilton, the son of Hungarian immigrants, also stated he would oppose California's 'sanctuary state' policies and favor a more cooperative approach with federal immigration authorities.
Donald Trump has endorsed Hilton, a move Hilton believes is an 'asset' that could facilitate cooperation with Washington on policy changes, particularly regarding energy production. Conversely, Xavier Becerra's campaign has criticized Hilton's alignment with Trump, framing him as a potential tool to reverse California's progress.
Hilton acknowledged the challenge of running in a heavily Democratic state but pointed to polling indicating a majority of Californians believe the state is 'going in the wrong direction.' He believes mobilizing Republican voters and appealing to independents frustrated with the status quo could lead to victory.