The race to replace outgoing California Gov. Gavin Newsom just got a huge endorsement courtesy of President Donald Trump.
Today, Trump endorsed Steve Hilton in the pivotal California gubernatorial race.
“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,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post about former Fox News host Hilton.
“Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World. Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!” the president declared in Monday’s post.
Hilton, a Republican, is running in a crowded primary that includes a slew of candidates from both sides of the political aisle.
The top two candidates in the June 2, 2026, primary will advance to the general election.
Some of the Democratic candidates seeking the governorship include Biden-era Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becera, Rep. Eric Swalwell and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced she will not seek the Democratic nomination for her home state.
Hilton and Bianco had been the top two contenders in some public opinion polls. This trend has been critical as California’s election laws state that the top two candidates in the primary, regardless of political party, would advance to face each other in the general election.
This means there is the potential that a Republican would become the next governor.
That scenario may be less likely now, as Hilton’s support is likely to rise and Bianco’s drop in light of the president’s endorsement.
“Trump kills any GOP hopes of an R vs R runoff in the California governor’s race,” Rob Pyers of California Target Book wrote in a post on X regarding the president’s endorsement of Hilton.
“Trump’s endorsement of Steve Hilton likely frees up tens of millions of dollars for Democratic groups who would have otherwise had to spend heavily to elevate one of the two leading GOP gubernatorial candidates to avoid a Democratic lockout,” Pyers wrote in another post.