Trump Endorses Former British Aide Steve Hilton in California Governor's Race

Hilton, a dual US-UK national, is one of several candidates vying for the open seat in the upcoming election.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:06am by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

US President Donald Trump has endorsed former British government aide and Fox News host Steve Hilton in the upcoming California governor's race. Hilton, who has dual US-UK nationality, previously served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron before moving to California. Hilton is one of several candidates, including Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Democrats like US Representative Eric Swalwell and billionaire Tom Steyer, who are seeking to replace outgoing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement of Hilton, a former British government official, is an unusual move in a high-profile US gubernatorial race. It highlights the increasingly global nature of politics and the influence of international figures in American elections. The California governor's race is also seen as a key battleground, with Republicans hoping to make inroads in the heavily Democratic state.

The details

Hilton served as former British Prime Minister David Cameron's director of strategy and was one of his closest advisers before leaving Downing Street in 2012 and moving to California. In his endorsement, Trump praised Hilton, saying 'With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!' Under California law, the top two finishers in the June 2 open primary contest will advance to November's election, regardless of party.

  • Trump endorsed Hilton on April 6, 2026.
  • The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

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

Steve Hilton

A former British government aide and Fox News host who is running for governor of California. Hilton has dual US-UK nationality and previously served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County sheriff who is also running as a Republican candidate for California governor.

Eric Swalwell

A US Representative running as a Democratic candidate for California governor.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire activist running as a Democratic candidate for California governor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years ... With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT.”

— Donald Trump, Former US President

What’s next

The top two finishers in the June 2 open primary contest will advance to the November general election for California governor.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of a former British government official in a high-profile US gubernatorial race highlights the increasing global nature of politics and the influence of international figures in American elections. The California governor's race is seen as a key battleground, with Republicans hoping to make inroads in the heavily Democratic state.