Trump Endorses Republican Steve Hilton in California Governor's Race

Endorsement could impact crowded field in upcoming primary election

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of red, white, and blue, conceptually representing the turbulence and uncertainty surrounding the California governor's race.Trump's endorsement of a Republican candidate injects new uncertainty into California's gubernatorial race.Riverside Today

President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Republican candidate Steve Hilton in California's upcoming gubernatorial contest, a move that could significantly influence an already crowded and unpredictable field. Trump praised Hilton, a former Fox News host and British-born political strategist, saying he will be a 'GREAT Governor' and that he has his 'COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT'.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement may consolidate Republican voters around Hilton, potentially weakening the chances of the other leading Republican candidate, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. However, given Trump's limited popularity in heavily Democratic California, the backing could become a disadvantage for Hilton in a general election matchup against a Democrat.

The details

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, all candidates appear on the same ballot, and the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. Recent polling suggests no clear frontrunner has emerged, with Hilton and Bianco slightly ahead and several Democratic candidates close behind.

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

The players

Steve Hilton

A Republican candidate for California governor, Hilton is a former Fox News host and British-born political strategist who became a U.S. citizen in 2021. He has centered his campaign on lowering taxes, addressing housing affordability, and improving education outcomes.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who has endorsed Steve Hilton in the California governor's race, saying Hilton will be a 'GREAT Governor' and that he has his 'COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT'.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff and a leading Republican candidate for California governor, Bianco is running against Steve Hilton in the primary election.

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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, with the highest taxes and worst crime in the Nation. 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 will determine the two candidates who advance to the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Steve Hilton could have a significant impact on the crowded California governor's race, potentially consolidating Republican support around Hilton but also raising concerns about his viability in a general election matchup against a Democrat in the heavily blue state.