Trump Endorses Conservative Commentator Hilton for California Governor

Endorsement could reshape crowded GOP primary race as Democrats risk being shut out of November election

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:11pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in bold, overlapping strokes of red, blue, and yellow, conceptually representing the turbulence and shifting power dynamics of the California governor's race.Trump's surprise endorsement of Hilton injects new energy and uncertainty into the California governor's race.Los Angeles Today

President Donald Trump has endorsed conservative commentator Steve Hilton in the race for California governor, a move that could significantly boost Hilton's campaign and reshape the crowded Republican primary. Recent polls show Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco as the top GOP contenders, raising the possibility of two Republicans advancing to the general election and Democrats being shut out under the state's top-two primary system.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement of Hilton could help consolidate Republican support around the conservative commentator, potentially damaging Bianco's campaign and increasing the chances of two GOP candidates making it to the November election. This would be a major shift in a state that has been solidly Democratic in recent years, with implications for the balance of power in California.

The details

In his endorsement, Trump praised Hilton as 'a truly fine man' and attacked the record of current Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, using a derogatory nickname. Trump said he would help Hilton 'turn it around' in California if elected. Hilton's campaign called the endorsement 'powerful.' The endorsement came just days before the state GOP is set to consider an endorsement in the race, and after a testy debate between Hilton and Bianco moderated by former Trump ambassador Richard Grenell.

  • Trump posted the endorsement on Truth Social late Sunday night.
  • The endorsement came the day after Hilton and Bianco debated in Rancho Mirage.
  • The California GOP is set to meet in San Diego this weekend to consider an endorsement in the race.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has endorsed conservative commentator Steve Hilton in the California governor's race.

Steve Hilton

A conservative commentator who is running for California governor and has received Trump's endorsement.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County sheriff who is also running for California governor and is considered a top Republican contender.

Gavin Newsom

The current Democratic governor of California, who is serving his final term and is weighing a run for president in 2028.

Richard Grenell

Trump's former ambassador to Germany, who moderated the debate between Hilton and Bianco.

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What they’re saying

“He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“Thank you, Mr. President! This is the moment California has been waiting for!”

— Steve Hilton, Gubernatorial Candidate

“Of course, I would want him to support me. He's the president of the United States.”

— Chad Bianco, Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The California Republican Party is set to meet in San Diego this weekend to consider an endorsement in the governor's race, which could be influenced by Trump's endorsement of Hilton.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Hilton injects a new dynamic into the California governor's race, potentially reshaping the crowded Republican primary and raising the possibility of two GOP candidates advancing to the general election. This could have major implications for the balance of power in the state, which has been solidly Democratic in recent years.