Ep 116: California — the Next Revolution? A Conversation with Steve Hilton - Joe Lonsdale: American Optimist Recap

Podcast: Joe Lonsdale: American Optimist

Published: 2025-06-19

Duration: 51 min

Summary

In this episode, Steve Hilton discusses his journey from the UK to California, his frustrations with the state's over-regulation, and his decision to run for governor to bring about meaningful change. He emphasizes the need for innovation and a renewed spirit of entrepreneurialism in California.

What Happened

Joe Lonsdale welcomes Steve Hilton, a candidate for governor of California, to discuss the challenges facing the state and the need for reform. Hilton shares his perspective on California's excessive regulation, stating, "We are massively over-regulated. It's crushing the spirit of entrepreneurialism and innovation and all that California represents." He highlights the burdens small businesses face, feeling that employers are treated as guilty until proven innocent, which stifles creativity and growth.

Hilton reflects on his background as the son of Hungarian refugees who fled communism, which shapes his perspective on freedom and opportunity. He recalls moving to California in 2012 and how, over time, he began to see the state as his true home. His experiences in UK politics, including his work with David Cameron and involvement in the Brexit movement, inform his views on governance and bureaucracy. He argues that the same bureaucratic challenges he faced in the UK are present in California, making it difficult to enact positive change. Hilton’s passion for California and its potential drives his campaign, as he aims to inspire others to fight for a better future in the state.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What challenges do small businesses face in California?

Steve Hilton expresses that small businesses in California suffer under a heavy regulatory burden, stating, "We are massively over-regulated. It's crushing the spirit of entrepreneurialism and innovation and all that California represents." He emphasizes that many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed by the complexities of starting and running a business, making it difficult for them to thrive.

How has Steve Hilton's background influenced his views?

Hilton discusses his family's immigrant background, noting that both his parents fled communism in Hungary. He reflects, "I never forget where I came from," emphasizing that his upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for freedom and opportunity, which he wishes to preserve and promote in California.

What is Hilton's stance on California's homelessness issue?

Hilton criticizes the ongoing homelessness crisis in California, pointing out that we are now in the 23rd year of Gavin Newsom's 10-year plan to address it without significant progress. He believes that following the money often reveals that those benefiting from the current system are not incentivized to solve the problem, indicating a need for fresh leadership and new approaches.

What lessons from UK politics does Hilton apply to California?

Having worked with David Cameron in the UK, Hilton draws parallels between the bureaucratic challenges he faced in the UK and those in California. He recalls the frustration of trying to implement policies while navigating a complex bureaucratic system, stating that these experiences inform his understanding of the hurdles to effective governance in California.

Why did Hilton move to California, and how did he come to see it as home?

Hilton moved to California in 2012 primarily for family reasons, but over time, he began to feel a deep connection to the state. He recounts a moment in 2016 when he realized, "It's so great to be home," after returning from a trip to the UK, solidifying his commitment to build a life and future in California, ultimately leading him to run for governor.