By Tanu Henry
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton says he’s running for governor to “restore the California dream.” The political commentator, entrepreneur, and former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron says he’s watched California become a place where middle-class families can no longer afford to buy homes, small businesses struggle under red tape, and schools fail to deliver for working parents.
Hilton, who moved to California form the U.K. in 2012 and previously taught at Stanford University, argues that the state’s challenges — from homelessness to energy costs — stem from what he calls “ideological extremism” and “political corruption.” He believes the solution lies in accountability, transparency, and a return to common sense.
In a recent conversation with California Black Media (CBM), Hilton discussed his decision to run, the policies he’d prioritize as governor, and why he believes California’s leaders have “betrayed working families.”
The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What made you decide to run for governor of California?
It wasn’t one single moment. Over the years, I just saw more and more people struggling to live normal lives here — families priced out, businesses crushed by regulations, people leaving the state in frustration. I came to California full of optimism. I taught at Stanford, started a tech company, and loved it here. But I also saw how the system was rigged against working people. That’s what pushed me to step forward. I want to fight for those who’ve been left behind.
You’ll be running against several big names — Katie Porter, Xavier Becerra, Tony Thurmond. What sets you apart?
I’ve worked in three worlds — business, government, and media — and I understand how they connect. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I know how to get things done in government because I’ve done it before. And through my media work, I’ve learned how to communicate ideas clearly and directly to people. California doesn’t need another politician — it needs someone who can bring fresh thinking and real-world experience.
Gov. Newsom championed redrawing California’s congressional maps before the 2026 midterms – which he achieved. What was your reaction?
It was a disgraceful abuse of power. They’re trying to change the rules to protect themselves. Newsom claims it’s about fairness, but it’s really about his own political ambitions — it’s part of his national campaign in disguise. This scheme cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and undermined our democracy. California is already one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. It takes three times as many votes to elect a Republican to Congress here as it does a Democrat. That’s not democracy.
You’ve criticized California’s independent redistricting process before. How should it be done instead?
We need a truly independent process. The so-called Citizens Redistricting Commission here is a joke — they hired only one law firm to guide them, and it’s a Democratic law firm tied to the DNC and the Obama-Biden campaigns. That’s not independence; that’s capture.
I’m not saying this to defend Republicans. I’m saying it because fairness matters. Every Californian’s vote should count equally, no matter their party.
What’s your overall vision for the state?
To bring back the California dream — the idea that you can work hard, buy a home, raise a family, and feel safe in your community. Right now, that dream is out of reach for too many people. We’ve got the highest taxes, the highest poverty rate, and the least affordable housing in the country. I want to replace ideology with common sense. I want to focus on jobs, education, safety, and affordability. It’s about making California work again for everyone.
How does California politics compare to the U.K., where you worked in government?
Great question. The biggest difference is scale. California’s bureaucracy is massive. There are more layers of government, more regulations, more interest groups. Reforming anything here takes enormous effort because the system protects itself. In both places, bureaucracy holds people back, but in California, it’s on another level. That’s why real change here has to start with cutting red tape and empowering local communities.
Black Californians continue to face gaps in wealth, health, and education. How would you address those disparities?
The foundation of opportunity is education. That’s where it starts. We need to hold schools accountable — every school should get a clear, public grade based on performance. Teachers should be evaluated fairly but honestly, and tenure shouldn’t be automatic after 16 months. Parents also deserve choice. If a school isn’t working, families should be able to take their funding elsewhere — through education savings accounts, charter schools, or open enrollment.
Every child deserves a good education, no matter their ZIP code.
California’s homelessness crisis remains severe. What would you do differently?
We need compassion with accountability. The first step is enforcing the law — encampments are not humane, for the people living in them or the communities around them. Second, we must dramatically expand mental health and addiction treatment — more than 80% of unhoused people struggle with one or both. But we also have to end “housing first” as the only policy. Help should come with responsibility — treatment, sobriety, participation in recovery. That’s how you truly rebuild lives.
Do you support the 2035 zero-emissions vehicle mandate?
I’m against all mandates. No, it’s unrealistic and harmful. It drives up costs for working families while doing little for the environment. California imports oil from halfway around the world while sitting on abundant natural gas here at home. It makes no sense. I’m all for clean energy, but it has to be affordable and practical. Let innovation, not government mandates, lead the way.
What do you love most about California?
Everything. The people, the energy, the beauty — this is the best place on Earth. People come here to live freely, to create, to dream big. That spirit is still alive. My mission is to protect it and restore what’s been lost. I want California to be golden again — for everyone.
Editor’s Note:
This California Black Media Q&A series with California’s gubernatorial candidates is intended to inform voters about where the candidates for governor stand on key issues. The opinions, assertions, and claims expressed are those of the candidates and have not been independently verified; they may or may not be supported by publicly available data.