Steve Hilton Emerges as Frontrunner in California Governor Primary Race

Hilton gained prominence in the 2000s and 2010s for his role in modernising the Conservative party. ” Hilton moved to California in 2012.

A friend of his recalled that shortly after the move Hilton stated his ambition to become governor, an idea that at the time seemed unlikely. Some polls now show Hilton tied for the lead in the primary. That position would have appeared implausible before the current campaign.

Hilton was known in UK government circles for an unorthodox working style that included padding the halls of Downing Street in socks. He was also known for advancing ideas that some described as hare-brained schemes. One former Liberal Democrat leader who served in Cameron’s coalition government described Hilton as an ideologue rather than a doer.

The same person said Hilton’s “big society” idea was a disappointment and that he could only get elected by freak accident. A government adviser who worked in No 10 at the same time as Hilton said he would be terrible in the role. The adviser cited Hilton’s frustration with how government works, his preference for wild ideas to happen instantly, and his lack of interest in compromise.

A former cabinet minister who worked with Hilton said he was puzzled by the ambition to become governor. The former minister noted that the US state government is usually considered even more dysfunctional than in the UK.

A friend of Hilton said the characterization of him as having shifted from a liberal Conservative to a hardcore supporter is too simple and that he is best understood as a disruptor. Hilton still refers to himself as an environmentalist and has said tackling the climate crisis is important. He has claimed that Democrats steal his ideas.

Giles Kenningham, who served as head of press at No 10, said that in an age of volatility and disruption an agile leader who challenges the status quo may be needed. Kenningham suggested Hilton possesses those qualities. A friend of Hilton said traits that draw criticism in the UK, such as being ambitious and doing slightly ridiculous things, could prove more successful in the United States.

The friend added that Hilton gets on with Trump because he knows how to wind people up and make fun of himself. While defeating the Democrats in California for the first time in two decades would be a long shot, particularly for a British citizen who is friends with Trump, Hilton’s supporters warn against underestimating him.

Hilton has said he views the UK as a complete mess and has no plans to return to British politics.