Steve Hilton, a Republican vying for California’s governorship, is making waves with a poignant campaign video that shares his transformative journey from a refugee’s son to a gubernatorial candidate. His story starts with his family’s escape from communism, setting the stage for his political ambitions.
Hilton emerged from a crowded and chaotic primary race, where he was one of 61 contenders, to secure a spot in the upcoming November election. He will face off against Democrat Xavier Becerra, after a prolonged vote-counting process due to mail-in ballots.
The Associated Press reports that Becerra led the primary with 27.9% of the vote. Hilton clinched the second spot with 25%, advancing under California’s top-two primary system.
Hilton is framing his campaign as a critical decision point for California’s future, aiming to highlight the state’s current trajectory.
“Everything began with the promise of freedom,” Hilton narrates in his campaign video.
“My parents fled communism in Hungary. So I was born in England, raised in a working class home. My mom worked at the shoe store, my dad did construction. Like so many immigrant families, they just wanted a better life.”
Hilton recounts building businesses, working in British politics and helping elect a prime minister before moving to California in 2012 with his wife and two sons.
“In 2012, with my wife and two sons, I moved to America — to California, the ultimate expression of America, the home of freedom.”
The video highlights his years teaching at Stanford University, launching businesses, writing books and becoming a US citizen before pivoting to a blistering critique of the Golden State.
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“But also a reminder of the madness: masks, lockdowns, school closures. What happened here? Chaos, crime, costs, collapse.”
Hilton closes by casting himself as an outsider capable of shaking up Sacramento.
“This campaign is not about Democrat or Republican. It’s about common sense, change, practical solutions,” he says.
“I’m not a politician. I’m an outsider running for governor to shake up a broken system… cut your costs, help your business, fix our schools.”
The former Fox News host’s path to the general election wasn’t always certain. After a strong election night showing, Hilton watched his lead steadily shrink as additional ballots were counted.
Still, he held onto second place and knocked out a field that included billionaire Tom Steyer, Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, state schools chief Tony Thurmond and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
