Trump Endorses Steve Hilton for California Governor

Donald Trump has thrown his full support behind Steve Hilton, a Fox News host and former British government official, in California's upcoming gubernatorial race. Announcing his endorsement on Truth Social, Trump expressed strong confidence in Hilton's ability to turn the state around, stating that California can become "better than ever" with federal support and the right leadership at the helm.

Hilton, a dual British-American citizen, built his political career as Director of Strategy under former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, serving as one of his most trusted advisers before relocating to California in 2012. His transition from Downing Street to American media and now electoral politics has made him one of the more unconventional figures in the 2026 California governor's race.

The election features a competitive open primary scheduled for June 2, where California law dictates that the top two vote-getters advance to November's general election regardless of party affiliation. Current polling suggests a tight race, with Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco representing the Republican field, while Democrats Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, and billionaire activist Tom Steyer round out the leading contenders.

Both Republican candidates publicly support Trump, though their individual campaigns have largely centered on state-level concerns including rising crime rates, excessive taxation, and the overall cost of living in California. Trump's endorsement could prove to be a decisive factor in separating Hilton from Bianco among conservative primary voters.

The race is open because incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has held office since 2019, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term. The last time a Republican won the California governorship was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who served from 2003 to 2011, making the seat a significant target for the GOP in 2026.