Trump's Endorsement Fails to Sway California Republicans

Despite the former president's backing, GOP delegates split their votes between two candidates at the state convention.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:25pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, geometric shapes in shades of blue and orange, conveying a sense of motion and fragmentation related to the California Republican Party's inability to unite behind a single gubernatorial candidate.The fractured, high-energy visual style reflects the disunity and uncertainty within the California Republican Party as it heads into a pivotal election year.San Diego Today

Despite President Donald Trump's endorsement of businessman and former Fox News host Steve Hilton, California Republicans at their state convention this weekend refused to unite behind a single candidate for governor. The final tally saw Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco receive 49% of the vote and Hilton 44%, both shy of the 60% threshold needed to earn the party's official endorsement.

Why it matters

The lack of a unified Republican candidate heading into the June primary raises questions about the party's ability to mount an effective challenge to the crowded field of Democratic contenders. Trump's endorsement of Hilton was seen as an attempt to consolidate Republican support, but it appears to have backfired, with many delegates unconvinced by the president's pick.

The details

Hilton, who is leading in polling, entered the convention as a relative party outsider. Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, had spent months courting delegates and party insiders in hopes of securing the endorsement. Both candidates claimed victory, with Hilton calling it a 'major success' to have blocked Bianco's endorsement, while Bianco insisted he had the 'supermajority' of support in the room.

  • The California Republican Party convention took place on April 11-12, 2026.
  • The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Steve Hilton

A businessman and former Fox News host who received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump in the California gubernatorial race.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County sheriff who had been courting delegates and party insiders for the Republican endorsement.

Donald Trump

The former president who endorsed Steve Hilton in the California gubernatorial race, but whose endorsement failed to sway Republican delegates.

Darrell Issa

A Republican congressman who acknowledged that the party may not hold the House in the upcoming midterm elections.

Tom McClintock

A Republican congressman who expressed uncertainty about the party's base being fired up by the summer.

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What they’re saying

“This changes nothing about our campaign. I have the supermajority of the support from this room, way more than what that total indicated.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff

“Is our base fired up?”

— Sean Spicer, Former White House Press Secretary

“I think maybe by summer, once we're past all of the turbulence from Iran.”

— Tom McClintock, Republican Congressman

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.