Trump endorses Steve Hilton in California governor's race

The former president's backing could undermine Republican hopes of locking Democrats out of the runoff.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:52am by Ben Kaplan

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Donald Trump has endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the California governor's race, a move that could deal a blow to Republican rival Chad Bianco's campaign and the party's hopes of keeping Democrats out of the runoff. Some California Republicans had argued the party's best shot at the governor's mansion depended on Trump staying out of the contest in the heavily Democratic state.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement of Hilton could shift the dynamics of the California governor's race, potentially making it harder for Republicans to advance two candidates to the runoff and keep Democrats out of the final contest. This could have significant implications for the balance of power in the state.

The details

Trump announced his endorsement of Hilton on Truth Social, calling him 'a truly fine man' who can 'turn it around' in California. The former president's intervention comes despite some Republicans arguing the party's best chance depended on him staying out of the race in the heavily Democratic state. Republicans had hoped a large field of Democrats would split the vote, allowing two Republicans to advance to the runoff. But Trump's backing of Hilton makes it less likely that he and Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, will be able to evenly split the GOP vote.

  • Trump endorsed Hilton in the California governor's race on April 6, 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 Fox News host who is running for governor of California and has received Trump's endorsement.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County sheriff who is also running for governor of California and is a Republican rival to Steve Hilton.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, a Democrat, whose leadership Trump has criticized.

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What they’re saying

“'I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell. Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!'”

— Donald Trump

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Steve Hilton in the California governor's race could reshape the dynamics of the contest, potentially making it harder for Republicans to advance two candidates to the runoff and keep Democrats out of the final contest. This move highlights the continued influence of the former president within the Republican Party.