Trump Endorses Former Fox Host in California Governor Race

Analysts puzzled by Trump's move that could help Democrats in deep-blue state

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:19pm

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President Donald Trump's surprise endorsement of former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the California governor's race has left political analysts across the spectrum scratching their heads. Trump's backing could boost Hilton in the short term, but may ultimately hurt his chances by splitting the Republican vote and allowing a Democrat to advance to the general election.

Why it matters

California is a deep-blue state where Democrats have dominated statewide elections for years. Trump's endorsement of a Republican candidate could shake up the race, but his move seems counterintuitive and may end up benefiting Democrats in the long run.

The details

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Hilton as 'a truly fine man' and said he would help him turn California around if elected. However, California has a 'jungle primary' system where all candidates, regardless of party, compete against each other, with the top two finishers advancing to the general election. Hilton and Republican Sheriff Chad Bianco were considered the top GOP contenders, but Trump's endorsement of Hilton could split the Republican vote, allowing a Democrat to claim one of the two spots in the runoff.

  • Trump posted his endorsement of Hilton on Truth Social late on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has endorsed Steve Hilton in the California governor's race.

Steve Hilton

A former Fox News host who is running for governor of California and has received Trump's endorsement.

Chad Bianco

The Republican sheriff of Riverside, California, who was considered a top contender for the GOP nomination before Trump endorsed Hilton.

Gavin Newsom

The current Democratic governor of California, whom Trump criticized in his endorsement of Hilton.

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What they’re saying

“'I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell. Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World. Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!”

— Donald Trump, Former President

What’s next

The California primary election is scheduled for June 2026, and the general election will be held in November 2026. It remains to be seen how Trump's endorsement of Hilton will impact the race and whether it will help or hurt the Republican's chances of advancing to the runoff.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Hilton in the California governor's race is a surprising and potentially risky move that could end up benefiting Democrats in the deep-blue state. The former president's backing may boost Hilton in the short term, but it also threatens to split the Republican vote and allow a Democrat to claim one of the two spots in the general election runoff.