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Trump Endorses Republican Steve Hilton in California Governor's Race
Endorsement could shake up crowded field to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom
Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:18am
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President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Steve Hilton in the race for California governor, potentially reshaping the crowded field to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Hilton, a British immigrant and former UK political strategist, is running against a number of major Democratic candidates as well as Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Why it matters
Trump's endorsement of Hilton could provide a significant boost to the Republican candidate's campaign, especially in a state that has not elected a Republican governor in nearly two decades. Democrats are concerned the crowded Democratic field could split the vote enough to allow Hilton and Bianco to advance to the general election, locking Democrats out of the race.
The details
In a Truth Social post, Trump called Hilton a 'fine man' and said 'with Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!' Hilton's campaign thanked Trump for the endorsement, saying 'With President Trump's full backing and federal support, we are going to take California back and make it better than ever before!' Hilton, a former Fox News host, is running against a number of major Democratic candidates as well as Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
- Trump posted the endorsement on Truth Social on April 6, 2026.
- The California primary election is scheduled for June 2026.
The players
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States who has endorsed Republican Steve Hilton in the California governor's race.
Steve Hilton
A British immigrant and former UK political strategist who is running as a Republican candidate for California governor.
Gavin Newsom
The outgoing Democratic governor of California.
Chad Bianco
The Republican sheriff of Riverside County who is also running for California governor.
What they’re saying
“'With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!'”
— Donald Trump, Former President of the United States
“'With President Trump's full backing and federal support, we are going to take California back and make it better than ever before!'”
— Steve Hilton, Republican Candidate for California Governor
What’s next
The California primary election is scheduled for June 2026, where the top two vote-getters regardless of party will advance to the general election in November.
The takeaway
Trump's endorsement of Republican Steve Hilton could provide a significant boost to Hilton's campaign in the crowded California governor's race, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the contest and raising concerns among Democrats about being locked out of the general election.
