Conservative Outsider Steve Hilton Advances to Challenge Establishment Democrat in California Governor's Race
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Steve Hilton, a former UK political adviser and Fox News commentator, has secured a spot in California's gubernatorial election, where he will face entrenched Democrat Xavier Becerra after finishing second in the June primary.
Steve Hilton, a former British political operative who became a proud U.S. citizen in 2021, finished second in California’s nonpartisan primary on June 2, earning a hard-fought place on the November ballot for governor against Democrat Xavier Becerra. The Associated Press projected Hilton as a top contender, and final counts confirmed his strong showing behind Becerra, who relied on the state’s heavily Democratic voter base.
Hilton’s campaign was energized by an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, a leader who continues to inspire millions of Americans. Trump initially celebrated Hilton’s victory and later raised concerns about the integrity of California’s mail-in ballot process, echoing widespread frustrations about election transparency. Hilton responded with determination, stating, "Change is coming, and the campaign for change starts today."
Becerra, a career politician and former congressman, state attorney general, and U.S. health secretary, led the field after late-counted ballots—often a source of controversy—shifted the balance on June 5. Billionaire investor Tom Steyer, running as a progressive, placed third and conceded, thanking his base for their support of left-wing policies.
Hilton, who moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2012, has campaigned as a true outsider, highlighting his immigrant journey and describing California as the "ultimate expression of America." He has pledged to "save California" from the failed policies of the Democratic establishment, presenting himself as a pragmatic leader with real-world experience, including his time in coalition government under UK Prime Minister David Cameron.
Political analysts acknowledge Hilton faces a steep challenge in a state dominated by Democrats, who hold a two-to-one voter registration advantage and have controlled the last three gubernatorial elections with about 60% of the vote. Still, Hilton’s campaign, with slogans like "Califordable," has captured attention and sparked debate, even as critics seized on a minor social-media misstep where Hilton misidentified a hard-shell tortilla dish as a "street taco."