A British-born political strategist who once advised former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has launched a bid for California governor, drawing an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Steve Hilton, a naturalized US citizen, is running as a Republican in a deeply Democratic state, positioning himself as a populist outsider.
Hilton, 55, first gained prominence as a key architect of Cameron's "modernisation" campaign, which brought the Conservatives to power in 2010. He later moved to California, founded a political advocacy group, and became a Fox News contributor. His campaign focuses on crime, homelessness, and education reform, echoing Trump's law-and-order rhetoric.
"California is a failed state under one-party rule," Hilton said in his announcement. "I'm running to give people a real choice." Trump endorsed him in a social media post, calling Hilton a "smart, tough, and very conservative Republican."
Hilton faces an uphill battle in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2-to-1. However, his campaign hopes to tap into frustration with rising living costs and homelessness. His British roots have drawn curiosity and criticism, with opponents questioning his familiarity with California issues.
The California governor race is scheduled for 2026, with incumbent Gavin Newsom term-limited. Hilton is one of several Republican contenders, but the Trump endorsement gives him a notable edge in the primary.