President Donald Trump is making a significant move in the California governor race by endorsing Republican Steve Hilton. This decision may change the dynamics in a contest to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom.
In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump stated, “With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!” He expressed his unwavering support, declaring, “Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT.”
Trump referred to Hilton as a “fine man,” highlighting their long-standing respect for one another.
Hilton’s campaign quickly embraced the endorsement, announcing, “With President Trump’s full backing and federal support, we are going to take California back and make it better than ever before!”
In the upcoming June 2 primary, Hilton, a former Fox News host, will compete against Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and many Democratic candidates. Under California’s election format, the top two contenders will advance to the November election, regardless of party affiliation, as Newsom cannot run again.
This scenario has Democrats concerned. With several candidates potentially splitting the vote, there is a possibility that two Republicans could move forward, potentially excluding Democrats from the general election in a state that hasn’t seen a Republican governor in nearly two decades.
Hilton has been vocal about the need for change in California, arguing that voters are tired of one-party dominance. During a November interview, he addressed the economic struggles facing families, citing rising costs as a consequence of Democrat governance.
He stated, “On and on through every issue I’ll be making the case that it’s 15 years of one-party rule that have brought us to this point, where working families can barely afford to pay the bills, where we have the highest unemployment. That’s all the result of Democrat policies, not Donald Trump.”
Hilton, an immigrant from Britain, has a background in politics through the U.K.’s Conservative Party during Margaret Thatcher’s time. He later served as a senior adviser to former Prime Minister David Cameron before relocating to California in 2012 and transitioning into media and business.
