Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron, lost his bid for the Republican nomination for California governor in Tuesday's primary election. Hilton finished in third place, trailing behind frontrunners who will advance to the general election in November.
Primary Results
With most precincts reporting, Hilton garnered approximately 15% of the vote, well behind the top two candidates who will compete in the general election. The primary system in California allows all candidates to run on a single ballot, regardless of party, with the top two vote-getters advancing. Hilton's campaign focused on conservative messaging, including criticism of the state's high taxes and homelessness crisis.
Campaign Challenges
Hilton, who moved to California in 2017, faced an uphill battle against more established Republican figures. His campaign also struggled with fundraising and name recognition beyond his media career. Despite endorsements from some conservative groups, he failed to gain traction in a state where Democrats hold a significant voter registration advantage.
The primary results underscore the challenges facing Republican candidates in California, where the party has not won a statewide election since 2006. Hilton's defeat leaves the GOP without a high-profile candidate to challenge the Democratic frontrunner in the general election.
