Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Dismisses Trump's Low Approval in California

Steve Hilton says election will be about the future of the state, not Trump's popularity

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:34pm by

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A serene, photorealistic painting of the California state capitol building in Sacramento, with the grand structure bathed in warm, golden sunlight and surrounded by deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the state's political future.As California's political landscape shifts, a gubernatorial race offers the promise of a new direction for the Golden State.San Francisco Today

Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate for California governor, said Sunday that President Trump's low approval rating in the state will not play a role in the outcome of the gubernatorial race. Hilton, who was endorsed by Trump earlier this month, argued that the election will be about the future of California and the need for change, not Trump's popularity.

Why it matters

Trump's low approval rating in California, a heavily Democratic state, could be a liability for Republican candidates. However, Hilton is betting that voters are more concerned about the state's issues like poverty, unemployment, and cost of living than Trump's standing.

The details

Hilton, a conservative commentator and former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, said the election will be about addressing California's problems, which he blamed on 16 years of Democratic policies. He said voters need 'a completely new direction' and that he is offering that. A recent poll found just 29% of California adults approve of Trump, including 82% of Republicans, 31% of independents and 6% of Democrats.

  • The California gubernatorial debate will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
  • The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Steve Hilton

A Republican running for governor of California who was endorsed by former President Trump earlier this month.

Chris Stirewalt

The host of 'The Hill Sunday' where Hilton was interviewed.

Donald Trump

The former president who endorsed Hilton's gubernatorial campaign.

Eric Swalwell

A former Democratic congressman who withdrew from the California governor's race after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct.

Tom Steyer

A Democratic businessman who is also running for California governor.

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What they’re saying

“This election is gonna be about the future of California and the fact that we're desperate for change in California.”

— Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor

“Why would you expect a different result if you keep voting the same way? The answer for California is not another Democrat. It's a completely new direction and that's what I'm offering.”

— Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor

What’s next

The California gubernatorial debate will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and the primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026. The two leading vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the general election.

The takeaway

Hilton is betting that California voters are more concerned about the state's issues like poverty, unemployment, and cost of living than Trump's low approval rating. He is positioning himself as the candidate who can provide a 'completely new direction' for the state, in contrast to the Democratic policies he blames for California's problems.