Steve Hilton Endorsed by Trump for California Governor

Controversial endorsement could reshape Republican primary race

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:38pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting of a political figure in motion, with overlapping geometric shapes and bold, clashing colors conveying a sense of turbulence and change in the California governor's race.The endorsement of Steve Hilton by former President Trump injects new energy and uncertainty into the California governor's race.San Diego Today

Steve Hilton, a Fox News contributor and longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, has secured Trump's endorsement in the Republican primary for California governor. The endorsement is seen as controversial, as it could deal a fatal blow to the possibility of a Democratic lock-out in the general election. Hilton, who has never held public office before, believes his business experience and government reform background make him the right candidate to 'make California golden again'.

Why it matters

Hilton's endorsement from Trump is likely to energize Republican voters and could shift the dynamics of the primary race, potentially leading to a Republican versus Republican general election. This would be a significant departure from the typical Democratic dominance in statewide California elections.

The details

Hilton, who has never run for office before, has been traveling the state for the past three years, developing policy proposals to address issues like the housing crisis, energy costs, and homelessness. He believes his background in business and government reform make him the right candidate to shake up the status quo in California. Hilton has also taken hardline stances on issues like immigration, calling for the end of sanctuary policies and increased cooperation with federal authorities on deportations.

  • Hilton secured Trump's endorsement in April 2026, ahead of the June primary election.
  • California Republicans will convene in San Diego later this week to decide whether to endorse a candidate in the governor's primary.

The players

Steve Hilton

A Fox News contributor and longtime ally of former President Donald Trump who is running for California governor. Hilton has never held public office before, but believes his business experience and government reform background make him the right candidate to 'make California golden again'.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has endorsed Hilton in the California governor's race.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic candidate for California governor who is expected to be lifted up by the powerful Democratic party machine in the state.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire climate activist who is trying to buy the California governor's election, having already spent $100 million on his campaign.

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What they’re saying

“I'm the candidate of the legal immigrant community for the legal immigrant community. I want our legal immigrant community to have a shot at the California dream and climb that ladder of opportunity.”

— Steve Hilton, Candidate for California Governor

“We've got to have a cooperative working relationship between the federal government and state and local government to make sure that all our laws are peacefully enforced. We can't pick and choose which laws we like and don't like.”

— Steve Hilton, Candidate for California Governor

What’s next

The California Republican Party will decide this week whether to endorse a candidate in the governor's primary. Hilton's endorsement from Trump could make him the frontrunner, but the race remains competitive.

The takeaway

Hilton's endorsement from Trump is a controversial move that could reshape the California governor's race, potentially leading to a Republican versus Republican general election. Hilton's hardline stances on issues like immigration and his outsider status could appeal to some voters, but may also make it difficult for him to win over independent and Democratic-leaning voters in the general election.