Lead

When Steve Hilton, a British political strategist who once advised Prime Minister David Cameron, announced his bid for governor of California, few expected him to become a frontrunner. Yet with less than six weeks to go before the primary, polls suggest Hilton is narrowly ahead in a fractured field, a surprising turn in a state where Democrats hold supermajorities in the legislature and a two-to-one voter registration advantage, as reported by The Guardian.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage from The Guardian highlights Hilton's unlikely rise, his unorthodox approach to politics, and a recent social media misstep that has captured public attention. The reporting draws on interviews with former colleagues and political figures, painting a picture of a candidate who is both charismatic and polarizing. While some sources emphasize his momentum and ability to connect with voters, others express skepticism about his political seriousness, quoting former Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable as saying Hilton is an "ideologue rather than doer, gadfly not a serious politician."

Key Claims

  • Frontrunner Status: According to The Guardian, most polls put Hilton narrowly ahead of a field of Democratic candidates, though the race remains unpredictable. This claim is based on polling data cited by the outlet but has not been independently verified.
  • Political Background: Hilton served as director of strategy for David Cameron and is credited with modernizing the Conservative Party. He later became a Fox News host. These facts are corroborated by multiple reports from The Guardian.
  • Trump Endorsement: Donald Trump has endorsed Hilton, as confirmed by all three sources from The Guardian.
  • Policy Promises: Hilton has pledged to reduce taxes and tackle affordability, coining the term "Califordable," per The Guardian.
  • Taco Gaffe: Hilton posted a video calling a Del Taco item a "street taco," which drew criticism from Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano and others. Hilton defended himself, saying the restaurant called it a "Barstow street taco." This incident is reported by a single Guardian article and has not been confirmed by other outlets.

Perspectives

From the UK Political Scene

Former colleagues in the UK have expressed doubt about Hilton's suitability for elected office. Vince Cable dismissed him as a "gadfly," and a government adviser who worked with him said he was "very quickly insanely frustrated with how government works in reality." These quotes underscore concerns about his ability to govern effectively.

From California Voters

Hilton's campaign has energized some voters, with reports of crowded and energetic campaign stops. He has visited nearly every corner of the state, appealing to farmers, suburban moms, and Latino small business owners, according to The Guardian. However, his taco video has sparked criticism from those who see it as out of touch with California culture.

The Political Landscape

Hilton's rise is attributed to disarray among Democrats, with no clear frontrunner emerging and one candidate, Eric Swalwell, dropping out amid misconduct allegations he denies. Hilton also benefits from a large donor base, with some Silicon Valley backers shifting their support to him, per The Guardian.

Conclusion

Steve Hilton's candidacy for California governor remains a long shot, but his ability to attract attention—both positive and negative—has made him a contender in a race that defies expectations. Whether his unconventional approach will resonate with California voters in the general election remains uncertain, but for now, he has succeeded in making himself a focal point of the primary.