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 KellerMix: Travis EvansVideo producer: Matt PintusExecutive producer: James ShieldSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton. Credit: Reuters /Mike BlakeAudio for this episode was updated on 9th June 2026 to clarify Steve Hilton's views on Brexit.