The Trump-endorsed Brit running for California governor

A British immigrant backed by President Trump is running to be the next governor of California. Once a senior advisor to former prime minister David Cameron, Steve Hilton has since been on a journey – swapping Downing Street for Silicon Valley.

Having made his home in the US, Hilton is now running to become California’s Republican governor on a platform of cutting taxes and regulation.

We speak to Nicholas Watt, political editor of BBC Newsnight, who has known Hilton since his days advising Cameron.

Producers: Viv Jones and Aron Keller

Mix: Travis Evans

Video producer: Matt Pintus

Executive producer: James Shield

Senior news editor: China Collins

Photo: California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton. Credit: Reuters /Mike Blake

Audio for this episode was updated on 9th June 2026 to clarify Steve Hilton's views on Brexit.