Trump Backs Hilton in California GOP Governor Race

Endorsement tests Bianco's grip on party support ahead of key convention vote

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:35am

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A quiet, cinematic painting of the California state capitol building, its grand architecture and columns bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and political uncertainty.The California statehouse stands alone, a symbol of the state's political tensions and uncertain future.San Diego Today

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed conservative commentator Steve Hilton in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump's backing is expected to boost Hilton's chances at this weekend's California GOP convention, where delegates will vote to endorse a candidate. However, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Trump loyalist, has vowed to fight the 'political class' and accused party insiders of trying to 'pick our leaders for us.'

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement could shake up the Republican primary race, which has national implications as California is a key battleground. The move also highlights ongoing tensions within the state GOP between establishment figures and grassroots conservatives. Whichever Republican emerges could face an uphill battle in the general election, as no GOP candidate has won statewide in California since 2006.

The details

The California GOP convention this Sunday in San Diego will see delegates vote to endorse their pick for governor. Trump's surprise endorsement of Hilton, a former Fox News host, is expected to immediately benefit him at the convention, where 60% support is needed to secure the party's backing. Bianco, a Trump loyalist who recently gained national attention for seizing ballots in Riverside County, has accused party insiders of trying to 'pick our leaders for us' and vowed the election 'belongs to the people, not the political class.'

  • The California GOP convention will be held this Sunday, April 16, 2026 in San Diego.
  • Trump endorsed Hilton for California governor one week prior to the convention, on April 9, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose endorsement is expected to provide a significant boost to Steve Hilton's campaign.

Steve Hilton

A conservative commentator and former Fox News host who is running for California governor. He received Trump's endorsement ahead of the state GOP convention.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff who is also running for California governor. He is a loyal Trump supporter but has accused party insiders of trying to 'pick our leaders for us.'

Corrin Rankin

The chairwoman of the California Republican Party, who stated that Trump's endorsement 'can help rally the base behind a candidate and generate some noise and some enthusiasm.'

Rob Pyers

An analyst from the non-partisan California Target Book, who argued that Trump's endorsement of Hilton 'kills any GOP hopes of an R vs R runoff' in the general election.

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What they’re saying

“'For too long, politicians and insiders from Sacramento to Washington have tried to pick our leaders for us. That's not leadership, that's a coronation, and it's exactly how we ended up with the failed leadership Californians are living with today. This election belongs to the people, not the political class.'”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff

“'Trump kills any GOP hopes of an R vs R runoff in the California governor's race.'”

— Rob Pyers, Analyst, California Target Book

“'What was more likely was actually...you were going to have two Democrats in the top two and then we'll have no chance of change. So this really makes sure that we have a Republican in the top two.'”

— Steve Hilton, Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The California GOP convention this Sunday will be a key test for both Hilton and Bianco as they vie for the party's endorsement. Trump's backing of Hilton is expected to provide an immediate boost, but Bianco has vowed to fight the 'political class' and could still emerge victorious. Whichever candidate secures the party's nod will then face an uphill battle in the general election, as no Republican has won statewide in California since 2006.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Hilton in the California governor's race highlights the ongoing tensions within the state GOP between establishment figures and grassroots conservatives. While the move could provide a short-term boost for Hilton, it may also complicate Republican hopes of shutting out Democrats from the general election ballot. Ultimately, the race will test the strength of Trump's influence in a state where the former president remains deeply unpopular.