Trump's Surprise Endorsement Shakes Up California Gubernatorial Race

MAGA allies had long been laying the groundwork for Trump's endorsement of Steve Hilton, complicating the GOP's hopes of locking Democrats out of the runoff.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:04am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a California state capitol building, its grand architecture and imposing presence captured in warm, golden light and deep, dramatic shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.Trump's surprise endorsement casts a long shadow over California's gubernatorial race, exposing the complex political dynamics at play.San Diego Today

The timing of Trump's endorsement of Republican Steve Hilton in California's gubernatorial race came as a surprise to many, even within Hilton's own campaign. The move upended the calculus for some Republicans who had hoped both Hilton and fellow GOP candidate Brian Bianco would advance through the state's jungle primary, potentially locking Democrats out of the runoff. Now, Hilton is poised to consolidate Republican support, diminishing the chances of that scenario playing out.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement of Hilton is seen as a significant intervention in the California race, potentially shifting the dynamics and altering the GOP's strategy. The decision has left some Republicans, like former candidate John Cox, puzzled, while Democrats who had feared a Republican lockout are now breathing a sigh of relief.

The details

The California Republican Party has maintained an 'aggressively neutral' stance in the race, not playing a role in elevating Hilton or advising the White House. Bianco, who had deep roots with the party's rank and file, was viewed by some as the favorite to win the state party's endorsement. However, Trump's endorsement of Hilton has upended that math, with the move potentially helping Democrats avert a scenario where two Republicans make the runoff.

  • Trump's endorsement of Hilton was announced on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The California Republican Party is set to convene in San Diego this weekend to vote on a primary endorsement.

The players

Steve Hilton

A Republican candidate in the California gubernatorial race, who has received Trump's endorsement.

Brian Bianco

A Republican candidate in the California gubernatorial race, who was viewed as the favorite to win the state party's endorsement before Trump's intervention.

Gavin Newsom

The current Democratic governor of California.

John Cox

A Republican who made the 2018 runoff against Governor Newsom largely on the strength of Trump's endorsement.

Corrin Rankin

The chair of the California Republican Party, who has held roles in both of Trump's successful presidential campaigns.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what to make of it. I thought we were heading to two Republicans in the final two.”

— John Cox, Republican

“Maybe the president thought Californians were finally going to wake up and do something about their dysfunctional government.”

— John Cox, Republican

“The Trump endorsement is very influential among the base, especially in a turnout election. If you can get your base out, you've got a good chance for success.”

— Kira Davis, Conservative podcaster and writer

What’s next

The California Republican Party will convene in San Diego this weekend to vote on a primary endorsement, a decision that could further shape the dynamics of the race.

The takeaway

Trump's surprise endorsement of Steve Hilton has upended the calculus in the California gubernatorial race, potentially helping Democrats avert a scenario where two Republicans make the runoff. The move has left some Republicans puzzled, while underscoring the influential role the former president continues to play within the party's base.