Steve Hilton: ‘I Want to Restore the California Dream’
Editor’s Note: This California Black Media Q&A series with California’s gubernatorial candidates is designed to help voters understand where candidates stand on key issues. The views expressed are those of the candidate and have not been independently verified by California Black Media.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton says his campaign is focused on restoring what he calls the “California dream.”
A political commentator, entrepreneur, and former adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, Hilton argues that California has become increasingly unaffordable for middle-class families. He points to rising housing costs, burdensome regulations on businesses, struggling schools, homelessness, and high energy prices as evidence that state leaders have lost their way.
Having moved from the United Kingdom to California in 2012, Hilton taught at Stanford University and later launched a technology company. He believes the state’s problems stem from political dysfunction, excessive bureaucracy, and ideological policymaking. His proposed solutions center on accountability, transparency, and government reform.
In a recent interview with California Black Media, Hilton discussed his decision to run for governor, his policy priorities, and his vision for California’s future.
Why are you running for governor?
Hilton said his decision developed over time as he watched more Californians struggle to achieve economic stability.
“I saw families being priced out of their communities, businesses overwhelmed by regulations, and people leaving the state because they felt they had no future here,” he said. “I came to California full of optimism, but I also saw how the system often works against ordinary people. I want to fight for those who feel left behind.”
What distinguishes you from other candidates?
Hilton emphasized his experience across business, government, and media.
“I’ve worked in all three sectors and understand how they intersect,” he said. “I’ve helped implement policy, built businesses, and learned how to communicate ideas directly to the public. California doesn’t need another career politician. It needs practical leadership and fresh thinking.”
What was your reaction to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to redraw congressional maps?
Hilton strongly criticized the move, describing it as politically motivated.
He argued that redistricting changes were intended to protect political interests rather than improve representation and claimed they imposed significant costs on taxpayers. He also contended that California’s current system disadvantages Republican voters.
How should redistricting be handled?
According to Hilton, California’s Citizens Redistricting Commission is not truly independent.
He argued that the commission relies on advisers with partisan ties and called for a process that ensures all voters are represented fairly regardless of political affiliation.
“Every Californian’s vote should carry equal weight,” he said.
What is your vision for California?
Hilton’s central goal is to make California more affordable and accessible for working families.
“I want to bring back the California dream—the idea that if you work hard, you can buy a home, raise a family, and feel secure,” he said.
He identified affordability, public safety, education, and job creation as his top priorities, while advocating for what he described as “common-sense” solutions rather than ideological approaches.
How does California politics compare with politics in the United Kingdom?
Hilton said California’s government bureaucracy is significantly larger and more complex.
“There are more layers of government, more regulations, and more interest groups involved in every decision,” he said. “The system tends to protect itself, making reform difficult.”
He believes reducing bureaucracy and empowering local communities are essential to achieving meaningful change.
How would you address disparities affecting Black Californians?
Hilton identified education as the most important tool for expanding opportunity.
He proposed greater accountability for schools, including public performance grades and changes to teacher tenure policies. He also supports expanding school choice through charter schools, open enrollment options, and education savings accounts.
“Every child deserves access to a quality education regardless of where they live,” he said.
What would you do about homelessness?
Hilton advocates a combination of enforcement and treatment.
He supports removing homeless encampments while expanding access to mental health and substance abuse services. He also criticized a “housing first” approach when used alone, arguing that recovery programs should include treatment requirements and personal accountability.
“We need policies that help people rebuild their lives, not simply manage the crisis,” he said.
Do you support California’s 2035 zero-emission vehicle mandate?
No.
Hilton opposes government mandates and argues that the policy increases costs for consumers.
While supporting cleaner energy development, he said environmental progress should be driven by innovation and market competition rather than government requirements.
What do you love most about California?
Hilton described California as “the best place on Earth.”
He praised the state’s people, natural beauty, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
“People come here to dream big and build something new,” he said. “That spirit is still here, and I want to help restore California’s promise for everyone.”