Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, has made a surprising political comeback in California's gubernatorial race. After a week of intense voting, Hilton secured second place in the primary, setting the stage for a challenging general election against Xavier Becerra, the Biden-era HHS secretary. This unexpected turn of events has sparked curiosity and speculation among political analysts and the public alike.
Hilton's journey to the top is a fascinating one. With a background in British politics and a stint as a strategist for former Tory Prime Minister David Cameron, he brought his expertise to Silicon Valley in the early 2010s. His wife, Rachel Whetsone, held prominent communication roles at tech giants like Google, Uber, and Netflix, providing Hilton with a unique understanding of the tech industry. During this time, he also hosted a Sunday Fox News show, advocating for conservative positions and offering a more inclusive approach compared to some of his colleagues.
The article highlights the competitive nature of the primary race. Hilton held a substantial lead over progressive billionaire Tom Steyer, maintaining a 300,000-vote advantage and a 4-percentage-point lead. However, Steyer made a late surge, narrowing the gap slightly. The outcome was ultimately called by the AP with only 9% of votes remaining to be counted. This close race raises questions about the potential impact of other candidates, such as Congresswoman Katie Porter, who received over 400,000 votes.
One of the intriguing aspects of Hilton's campaign is his connection to Donald Trump. In a state that is often anti-Trump, Hilton's endorsement from the former president adds an interesting dynamic to his bid for the governorship. However, the article also notes the challenging task ahead for Hilton. California has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006, and Republicans have struggled to reach 41% of the vote count since then.
Hilton's strategy revolves around this historical Democratic dominance. He argues that California's issues stem from the long-standing rule of the Democratic Party, particularly the eight-year reign of Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited. Hilton's policy proposals differ significantly from even moderate Democrats like Becerra. He advocates for lower taxes, reduced regulations, and the construction of low-density housing to address the state's housing crisis. These positions set him apart from Becerra and could be a key factor in his campaign.
The article also touches on Hilton's stance on the entertainment industry. He has proposed a major entertainment tax-credit program, offering up to 60% per project with no annual cap and eligibility for below-the-line and post-production work. This bold approach contrasts with Becerra's more measured strategy, leaving the question of whether it will sway Democratic entertainment workers to switch parties. Becerra's extensive electoral experience, having won 14 elections in California, is also mentioned as a potential advantage.
The final paragraph highlights a unique aspect of California's politics. Since 1942, every governor has served more than one term, indicating a strong likelihood of Hilton's opponent, Becerra, also serving multiple terms if elected. This electoral trend adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming race, leaving the public and political analysts eagerly awaiting the outcome.
