Steve Hilton, the former senior adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron, has advanced to California's general election for governor, pitching himself as a reformer who can rescue the state from what he calls bureaucratic overreach and economic stagnation.
In his first UK interview since making the ballot, Hilton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that his campaign taps into California's "rebel spirit." He argues that 16 years of Democratic control have eroded the state's legacy of innovation and prosperity.
Running as a Republican in a deeply liberal state, Hilton frames his platform as "common sense" rather than partisan dogma. He positions himself as an outsider focused on restoring affordability and opportunity.
"It's not ideological," he said. "It is just common sense."
Key proposals include a tax-free threshold on the first $100,000 of income, lower energy prices, and measures to reduce housing costs. He advocates for tax cuts, deregulation, and cutting what he calls "bloat and waste" in state government.
Hilton's political journey is unusual: from architect of Cameron's "Big Society" to an early supporter of Donald Trump. Asked where he fits on the spectrum between Cameron-era conservatism and Trump-era populism, he rejected the labels, pointing instead to stagnant wages and inequality as drivers of populist sentiment.
He blames Democratic policies for California's high cost of living, homelessness, and crime, calling the record "a disaster." He cites the state's highest poverty rate, unemployment, and cost of living in the US.
Trump has endorsed Hilton, who views this as an asset for securing federal cooperation, especially on energy. Hilton blames environmental rules for forcing California to import oil despite domestic reserves and promises to expand production.
On immigration, Hilton—son of Hungarian immigrants—opposes California's "sanctuary state" policies. He pledges not to obstruct federal enforcement and favors a cooperative approach similar to the Obama administration's.
The general election pits Hilton against Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former US cabinet secretary. Becerra's campaign labels Hilton a "Trump errand boy" who would "throw our progress into reverse."
Hilton advanced through a crowded primary partly due to a split Democratic vote. He acknowledges the challenge in a Democratic stronghold but points to polls showing a majority of Californians believe the state is heading in the wrong direction. He aims to mobilize the six million Republican voters in California and appeal to independents.
A ballot measure on voter ID, popular with Republicans, could boost turnout. Hilton has not seen evidence of voter fraud but wants reforms, including ending mail-in ballots to all registered voters.
Whether a former Westminster insider can succeed in California politics remains to be seen, but Hilton's campaign is already defying expectations.