President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Republican candidate Steve Hilton in California’s upcoming gubernatorial contest, a move that could significantly influence an already crowded and unpredictable field.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump praised Hilton, saying, “I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years,” and described him as “a truly fine man.” Criticizing current state leadership, Trump added, “This once great State has gone to Hell,” blaming Democrats for rising crime, high taxes, and an exodus of residents. He expressed confidence in Hilton’s leadership, stating, “Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!” and emphasized, “Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!”
Hilton welcomed the endorsement, writing on X, “With President Trump’s full backing and federal support, we are going to take California back and make it better than ever before! Thank you, Mr. President! This is the moment California has been waiting for!”
A former Fox News host and British-born political strategist, Hilton became a U.S. citizen in 2021. Before moving to California in 2012, he advised former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron and played a role in shaping Conservative policies, including environmental initiatives and decentralization efforts.
The June 2 primary features a large pool of candidates, including eight prominent Democrats and two leading Republicans—Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Under California’s “top-two” primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot, and the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
Trump’s endorsement may consolidate Republican voters around Hilton, potentially weakening Bianco’s chances. However, given Trump’s limited popularity in heavily Democratic California, the backing could become a disadvantage in a general election matchup against a Democrat.
On the Democratic side, the field remains divided among several well-known figures, including Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and entrepreneur Tom Steyer, among others.
Recent polling suggests no clear frontrunner has emerged. Surveys show Hilton and Bianco slightly ahead, with several Democratic candidates close behind, all within a narrow margin. The fragmented vote has raised concerns among Democrats about the unlikely—but possible—scenario of two Republicans advancing to the general election.
Hilton has centered his campaign on lowering taxes, addressing housing affordability, and improving education outcomes. He has also argued that long-term Democratic control is to blame for the state’s economic challenges, saying, “working families can barely afford to pay the bills,” and attributing those struggles to state policies.
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