Republican Steve Hilton, a former UK political strategist turned Fox News personality, has secured a spot in the November general election for California governor. He will face Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former congressman, state attorney general, and US health secretary. The Associated Press projected Hilton would finish in the top two in the nonpartisan primary held on 2 June.
Hilton initially led the count when first votes were tallied, prompting Donald Trump to prematurely declare him the winner. However, as more mail-in ballots were counted, Becerra overtook Hilton on 5 June. Hilton still finished ahead of billionaire investor Tom Steyer, who conceded on Tuesday evening. Hilton, endorsed by Trump, has acted as though he won the primary, stating, 'Change is coming, and the campaign for change starts today.'
Hilton, who became a US citizen in 2021 after moving from Britain in 2012, was a prominent adviser to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Known for unorthodox tactics and catchy slogans like 'hug a hoodie,' he now campaigns on making California 'Califordable.' Despite his rise, he faces an uphill battle in a heavily Democratic state where Trump is deeply unpopular. Democrats have won the last three governor races with about 60% of the vote.
Hilton portrays himself as an outsider living the 'California dream,' but his campaign has faced mockery, such as when he referred to a hard-shell taco as a 'street taco.' He vows to 'save California' and argues his experience in a UK coalition government proves he can work across party lines. He sees his relationship with Trump as an asset to bring federal cooperation to the state.
