Trump-backed candidate Steve Hilton advances in California governor's race

Steve Hilton, a former top adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron and a former Fox News host, will advance as one of two candidates in the race for California governor, US media outlets project.

After a week of counting ballots from the 2 June primary race, the British-born candidate secured his slot to move ahead in the election, edging out billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, a Democrat.

Hilton will face former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra in the general election in November.

President Donald Trump has backed Hilton. If he wins in November, he will be the first Republican governor in 15 years to run the liberal-leaning US state.

More than 60 candidates, mostly Democrats, were on the ballot to replace current term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has been floated as a possible future presidential contender.

Newsom has been a vocal opponent of Trump's policies as the state fights the administration over a variety of issues, from immigration to climate policies.

Hilton and Becerra will now spend the next few months battling to become California's chief executive. That person is responsible for overseeing a multibillion-dollar budget, thousands of state employees and hundreds of state agencies.

The contest has become the most expensive California governor race on record, with immense ad spending by Steyer and Silicon Valley support for another Democratic candidate, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.

Hilton has never held elected office before, but has said that if he wins, he will not mirror other California politicians.

"When people say, 'How are you going to win in California as a Republican?' My question is, how will a Democrat win based on the record that they are putting before the people?" he said earlier this month.

The former UK Conservative adviser rose to fame while serving as a top aide to Cameron from 2010-12, but later grew critical of the conservative prime minister's immigration policy; the pair ultimately disagreed on how the UK should face Brexit.

Hilton was known for some unconventional moments and comments during his tenure working for Cameron.

He once greeted former President Barack Obama in his socks, he was known to walk the halls of Downing Street in shorts and he referred to Cameron as "Dave".

He also made headlines for eye-catching policy ideas, such as abolishing maternity leave.

In 2012, he moved to the US from the UK and in 2017, he began a six-year stint hosting a television show on the conservative news network, Fox News.

Hilton became a US citizen in 2021, according to US media.

His rise in popularity in the US can be attributed in part to Trump's endorsement.

The president has said Hilton would "be a great governor" and argued that "Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job" in California and that "people are fleeing" the state.

"I know Steve — He is a hard driving WINNER, and he will turn California around, quickly — and the Federal Government will be there, with him, to help!" Trump said in a social media post.

Meanwhile, Becerra, a California native, served as the state's attorney general and as the nation's health secretary under Democratic President Joe Biden.

If elected, he would be California's first Latino governor since 1875, in a state where Latinos make up about 41% of the population.

He has framed his campaign around his lifetime of work in politics and his credibility working both in Congress in Washington DC and in California in state office.

Becerra has vowed to fight Trump's policies and promised to freeze insurance and utility rates for Californians.

His standing in the race was boosted after Democratic Rep Eric Swalwell dropped out in April amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, which he has repeatedly denied.

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