Steve Hilton edges out Tom Steyer in California governor race
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- Steve Hilton, former adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron and ex-Fox News host, has advanced to the November runoff for California governor, narrowly surpassing Democrat Tom Steyer in the June primary.
- Backed by former President Donald Trump, Hilton aims to become the first Republican governor in California in 15 years, challenging Democrat Attorney General Rob Becerra.
- The race to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom is the most expensive in California history, with heavy spending from Democratic candidates and Silicon Valley supporters.
- Hilton, who has never held elected office, emphasizes his political experience in both the UK and US and positions himself as an alternative to traditional California politicians.
- If elected, Hilton would be California's first Latino governor since 1875, in a state where Latinos comprise about 41% of the population.