Trump's Endorsement Shakes Up California Governor's Race

Analysts say the president's pick of a Republican candidate could actually help Democrats maintain control of the state.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:07pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of the California state capitol building, its grand architecture and columns cast in warm, golden light and deep shadows, with a lone figure standing on the steps, conveying a sense of political uncertainty and transition.Trump's endorsement of a Republican candidate could inadvertently help Democrats maintain control of the California governor's office.Riverside Today

An endorsement from former President Donald Trump has shaken up the race for California governor, with some analysts believing it could actually help Democrats maintain their hold on the state. Trump endorsed Republican candidate Steve Hilton, one of the two leading GOP contenders, over the weekend. While Hilton said he is "deeply honored" by the endorsement, some experts think it could consolidate Republican support behind him and put Democrats in a strong position to advance a candidate to the general election, where they would be heavily favored.

Why it matters

For months, top Democrats have warned that a crowded field of candidates could potentially allow both Republican hopefuls, Hilton and Chad Bianco, to advance out of the state's top-two primary, locking the party out of the race entirely. But now, analysts on both sides of the aisle believe Trump's endorsement of Hilton could change the dynamic, potentially consolidating Republican support and giving Democrats a clearer path to the general election.

The details

Late Sunday night, Trump gave his "complete and total endorsement" to former Fox News host Steve Hilton, one of the two leading Republican contenders. Hilton said he is "deeply honored" by the endorsement, which could help elevate him past fellow Republican hopeful Chad Bianco, the Republican sheriff of Riverside County. Bianco said the race is "about the future of California, not any one endorsement." Democratic strategist Michael Trujillo said Trump's endorsement "slams the door shut" on the possibility of a lockout, and that "a Democrat will be the governor of California" in November.

  • On April 3, 2026, former President Donald Trump endorsed Republican candidate Steve Hilton in the California governor's race.

The players

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 former Fox News host and one of the two leading Republican contenders in the California governor's race, who received Trump's endorsement.

Chad Bianco

The Republican sheriff of Riverside County and the other leading Republican candidate in the California governor's race.

Michael Trujillo

A Democratic strategist who believes Trump's endorsement of Hilton has effectively eliminated the possibility of a lockout, giving Democrats a clear path to the general election.

Matt Klink

A Republican strategist who believes Trump's endorsement of Hilton has stacked the odds against him in a general election, given that Republicans are outnumbered by Democrats in California almost 2 to 1.

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What they’re saying

“He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great state has gone to hell.”

— Donald Trump, Former President of the United States

“This is the moment for everybody who wants change in California — especially my Republican friends — to come together and unite. To focus on what we need to do to beat the Democrats in November.”

— Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor

“President Trump made his endorsement. That's his decision. But this race is about the future of California, not any one endorsement.”

— Chad Bianco, Republican candidate for California governor

“Trump's endorsement just slams the door shut. And in November, and a Democrat will be the governor of California.”

— Michael Trujillo, Democratic strategist

“It really stacks the odds against Steve Hilton in a general election just by the mere fact that Republicans are outnumbered almost 2 to 1 by Democrats.”

— Matt Klink, Republican strategist

What’s next

The California primary election is scheduled for June 2026, and the general election will take place in November 2026. The outcome of the governor's race will have significant implications for the state's political landscape and policy priorities.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of the Republican candidate Steve Hilton in the California governor's race has shaken up the dynamics of the contest, with some analysts believing it could actually help Democrats maintain control of the state. The endorsement could consolidate Republican support behind Hilton, potentially giving Democrats a clearer path to advancing a candidate to the general election, where they would be heavily favored.