Steve Hilton, a notable figure in conservative British politics, is now capturing attention in the United States as he runs for governor of California. His candidacy surprises many, including his former colleagues in the UK.
Earlier this year, during a forum for California’s gubernatorial candidates, Hilton spoke about his television preferences. He mentioned ‘The Thick of It,’ a British political satire known for its strong language. Hilton revealed, ‘To my horror, there is a character based on me.’
At 56, Hilton is a unique contender for the leadership of California, a state with a strong Democratic presence. Originally from Britain, he served as a key adviser to Prime Minister David Cameron before relocating to California 14 years ago. Since then, Hilton has become a pundit on Fox News and is now among the leading candidates for California governor. The top two finishers, regardless of party affiliation, will progress to the November general election.
Hilton’s venture into American politics has amused some of his former British peers. In ‘The Thick of It,’ his character, Stewart Pearson, is depicted as clownish and known for using odd phrases like ‘knowledge is porridge.’ In real life, Hilton became known for his distinctive style, famously walking through Downing Street without shoes and in shorts. He proposed unorthodox ideas like using cloud-bursting technology to control the weather and abolishing maternity leave, though he contested how these ideas were portrayed.
In 2012, Hilton left British politics, following his wife Rachel Whetstone, a fellow Tory strategist, to the U.S. She pursued a lucrative career in the tech industry, holding significant roles at Netflix and Google. Hilton found his place as a host on Fox News. Rupert Murdoch, the founder of the media giant that owns Fox News, is one of Hilton’s major supporters. Another notable donor is Google co-founder Sergey Brin, as shown in campaign finance records.