US President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican candidate Steve Hilton in California’s upcoming gubernatorial race, a move that could reshape an already unpredictable contest in the heavily Democratic state.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Hilton and said he would “be a great governor,” while sharply criticizing the current leadership in California. The president argued that Democratic policies had been disastrous for the state and claimed that many residents were leaving as a result.
Hilton, one of 10 candidates competing in the June 2 primary election, quickly welcomed the endorsement. Writing on X, he said he was “deeply honored” to receive Trump’s support.
California uses a “top-two” primary system, meaning the two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary will advance to the general election in November, regardless of party affiliation.
Republicans have not won a statewide election in California for more than two decades, making the governor’s race an uphill battle for the party. However, political observers say the fragmented Democratic field has created a rare opening that could give Republican candidates a chance to advance.
Hilton, a former top adviser to ex-British Prime Minister David Cameron from 2010 to 2012, later moved to the United States and built a profile in conservative media. He hosted a show on Fox News for several years and continues to contribute to the network.
Now living in California, Hilton has campaigned on a platform focused on cutting taxes, reducing the state budget and lowering the cost of living, including tackling high housing costs that have become a major issue for many families.
He also joined Stanford University as a visiting scholar in 2012 and said in 2019 that he was applying for US citizenship.
Despite the boost from Trump, the endorsement could also complicate Hilton’s chances if he faces a Democrat in the general election. California voters tend to lean strongly Democratic, and Trump remains a polarizing figure in the state.
The endorsement may also reshape the Republican side of the race. Hilton is competing with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco for Republican support, and Trump’s backing could consolidate GOP voters behind Hilton, potentially pushing Bianco out of contention.
At the same time, the divided Democratic field could split votes among multiple candidates in the primary.
A March poll conducted by the University of California, Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies suggested both Hilton and Bianco were polling ahead of the Democratic contenders, sending shockwaves through the state’s political establishment.
The results raised concerns among Democratic leaders, prompting some party officials to call for weaker candidates to step aside in order to avoid splitting the vote.
Among the Democrats currently leading the field are Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Congresswoman Katie Porter and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer.
With the June primary approaching, the race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political contests in California in years, as both parties battle for an opportunity to advance to the November election.