Steve Hilton’s British accent is just the least of his problems. The odds are against him. Yet his audacious bid to be governor of failed-state California should give every Republican hope
Steve Hilton is running for governor of California as a Republican, despite the state’s long record of backing Democrats and his British birth and accent. The article argues that a Republican victory would be a symbolic breakthrough and could offer the party hope, while California’s economic health matters well beyond its borders.
A poll cited puts Democrat Xavier Becerra on 48 per cent and Hilton on 38 per cent, with 11 per cent undecided; the article says Hilton’s deficit is narrowing. It points to California’s 15 per cent share of US GDP, the departure of some middle-class families, and concerns over homelessness, deteriorating infrastructure and public services. Hilton, a former adviser to David Cameron, has written a book criticising the state’s problems.
- Steve Hilton is seeking a Republican breakthrough in California.
- A cited poll gives Xavier Becerra a 10-point lead.
- California produces 15 per cent of US GDP.
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California is the most populous US state and produces a large share of the country’s economic output. It has usually voted for Democratic candidates in statewide elections, so a Republican bid to become governor faces a difficult path.
Steve Hilton was born in Britain and worked as an adviser to former British prime minister David Cameron before moving into US politics. His Democratic rival is Xavier Becerra, a former member of Congress and California attorney general.
The governor oversees state services and spending, including transport and housing, amid concerns about homelessness, infrastructure and public services. California’s economic performance also affects the wider US economy, making the contest relevant beyond the state.
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The case for
A Republican win in California would show that the party can compete beyond its usual strongholds and might encourage it to reach voters who feel overlooked. The state’s economic weight means its challenges with housing, homelessness, infrastructure and public services have consequences beyond California, and Hilton’s campaign could put pressure on candidates to address them.
The case against
California’s Democratic record and the poll gap suggest that Hilton faces substantial obstacles, while a close or improving poll does not establish that his proposals would solve the state’s problems. Voters could reasonably prefer continuity with Democratic leadership or doubt that a candidate born abroad, however qualified, has the local understanding and practical programme needed to govern effectively.