Trump Backs Hilton in California Governor's Race

Former Fox News host and British-born strategist gains high-profile endorsement in crowded field.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:05pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary political office space with a lone desk and chair, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the uncertainty and shifting dynamics of California's gubernatorial election.The endorsement of former President Trump could reshape the dynamics of California's gubernatorial race, but the crowded field leaves the outcome uncertain.Riverside Today

President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican candidate Steve Hilton in California's upcoming gubernatorial election, a move that could significantly influence the already crowded and unpredictable race. Hilton, a former Fox News host and political strategist, welcomed the endorsement, saying he will work to 'take California back' with Trump's 'full backing and federal support'.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement could consolidate Republican voters around Hilton, potentially weakening his GOP opponent Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. However, Trump's limited popularity in heavily Democratic California could also become a disadvantage for Hilton in a general election matchup against a Democrat.

The details

Hilton, a British-born U.S. citizen since 2021, previously advised former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron and played a role in shaping Conservative policies. He moved to California in 2012. The June 2 primary features a large pool of candidates, including eight prominent Democrats and two leading Republicans—Hilton and Bianco. Under California's 'top-two' primary system, the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

  • President Trump endorsed Hilton on April 7, 2026.
  • The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

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

Steve Hilton

A Republican candidate for California governor, former Fox News host, and British-born political strategist who became a U.S. citizen in 2021.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff and a leading Republican candidate for California governor.

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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. This once great State has gone to Hell, and Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!”

— President Donald Trump

“With President Trump's full backing and federal support, we are going to take California back and make it better than ever before! Thank you, Mr. President! This is the moment California has been waiting for!”

— Steve Hilton, Republican Candidate for California Governor

What’s next

The June 2 primary election will determine which two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Hilton could significantly impact the California governor's race, potentially consolidating Republican voters around Hilton but also risking backlash in the heavily Democratic state. The crowded and fragmented field on both sides leaves the outcome uncertain, with the possibility of an unusual general election matchup between two Republicans.