Conservative Insider Steve Hilton Edges Out Progressive Billionaire Tom Steyer in California Governor Race
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Steve Hilton, a former UK adviser and Fox News host with deep conservative ties, has advanced to the November California governor race, narrowly defeating Democratic billionaire and climate activist Tom Steyer in the June primary.
Steve Hilton, a former adviser to right-wing UK Prime Minister David Cameron and ex-Fox News host, has qualified as one of two candidates advancing to the November California gubernatorial election, according to media reports. The result follows the June 2 primary count, where Hilton, buoyed by conservative media and Trump’s endorsement, finished ahead of Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer, a prominent climate activist known for his efforts to combat the climate crisis.
President Donald Trump, whose administration was marked by attacks on immigrants, workers, and marginalized communities, publicly endorsed Hilton. If elected, Hilton would become the first Republican governor in California in 15 years, a worrying prospect for a state that has made progress under Democratic leadership. Over 60 candidates, mostly Democrats, were on the ballot to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been seen as a potential future presidential candidate due to his progressive policies.
Hilton will now face state Senator Alex Becerra, a Democrat, for the governorship—a role that manages a multibillion-dollar budget, thousands of state employees, and hundreds of agencies that impact the lives of millions. Ironically, Hilton, a conservative, would also be California’s first Latino governor since 1875, in a state where Latinos make up about 41% of the population—a demographic often targeted by the GOP’s anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Hilton has tried to leverage his experience in Washington and California politics, but his record includes supporting austerity measures and criticizing inclusive immigration policies. He stated, "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?"—a claim that ignores the state’s progress on climate, workers’ rights, and healthcare under Democratic leadership.
The campaign comes after Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell withdrew in April following allegations of sexual assault, which he denies. The race has seen massive spending, with Steyer and Silicon Valley supporting another Democratic contender, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, in an effort to keep California moving forward.
Hilton, who has never held elected office, claims he would break from the traditional approach of California politicians, but his background as a senior aide to Cameron from 2010 to 2012 and his later criticism of progressive policies raise concerns. After moving to the US in 2012, he hosted a Fox News program from 2017 to 2023, further cementing his ties to right-wing media.