Trump Endorses Former Fox News Host in California Governor Race

CNN to Host Debate as Crowded Democratic Field Vies for Nomination

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:06pm

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A fractured, abstract painting of a California state flag waving in the wind, the colors distorted and repeated in overlapping geometric waves, conveying the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the state's gubernatorial race.The California gubernatorial race is shaping up to be an unconventional and high-stakes contest, with a crowded Democratic field and the possibility of two Republicans on the general election ballot.Riverside Today

In a surprising move, President Trump has endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California's next governor. The unusual primary system in California, where the top two candidates advance to the general election regardless of party, has raised the possibility of two Republicans on the ballot this fall. With a crowded field of Democratic candidates, Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are currently leading in the polls. CNN will host a primary debate on May 5th, with eligibility requirements that have already forced the cancellation of a previous debate due to a lack of candidate diversity.

Why it matters

The California gubernatorial race carries national importance given the state's outsize influence on the global economy and progressive politics. The unusual primary system and Trump's endorsement of a former Fox News host have the potential to shake up the traditional political dynamics in the heavily Democratic state.

The details

The California primary election features a crowded field of Democratic candidates, including Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, Matt Mahan, Betty Yee, and Tony Thurmond. However, the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the general election. This has created an opening for the two Republican candidates, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who are currently leading in the polls. In a surprise move, President Trump has endorsed Hilton, potentially giving him a boost and pushing Bianco down the ladder. The high-profile nature of the race has led CNN to host a primary debate on May 5th, with eligibility requirements that have already forced the cancellation of a previous debate due to a lack of candidate diversity.

  • The California primary election will be held on June 6, 2026.
  • CNN's primary debate is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6 p.m. PT.

The players

Steve Hilton

A former Fox News host who is currently leading in the polls for the California gubernatorial race as a Republican candidate.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County sheriff who is also running as a Republican candidate for California governor.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, who is not seeking re-election.

Kaitlan Collins

A CNN anchor who will moderate the network's California gubernatorial primary debate.

Elex Michaelson

A CNN anchor based in California who will also moderate the network's primary debate.

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What’s next

The California primary election will be held on June 6, 2026, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election in November.

The takeaway

The California gubernatorial race has national implications and is shaping up to be an unconventional contest, with a crowded Democratic field and the possibility of two Republicans on the general election ballot. The endorsement of a former Fox News host by President Trump adds an additional layer of intrigue to the high-stakes race.