Trump endorses Steve Hilton for California governor
The president’s backing could consolidate the GOP base and undercut a strategy to keep Democrats out of the runoff.
Apr 6, 2026, 3:26 AM EDT
Why it matters:
- Trump’s endorsement could consolidate Republican voters behind Steve Hilton, reducing the odds that two GOP candidates finish first and second in California’s June 2 primary. That would lower the risk of Democrats being shut out of the November runoff.
Driving the news:
- President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social late Sunday night that he has “COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT” for Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and ex-British government strategist. - Trump blasted Gov. Gavin Newsom as “Newscum,” blaming Democrats for high taxes, rising crime, and people fleeing California.
State of play:
- California’s “top-two” primary on June 2 advances the top two finishers to November regardless of party, enabling a potential Republican–Republican runoff if the Democratic vote is split. - A UC Berkeley IGS poll showed Hilton at 17% and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 16%, with Democrats Eric Swalwell and Katie Porter trailing at 14% and 13%. - The party’s convention in San Diego is set to consider an endorsement, and Trump’s involvement could shift that calculation.
What they’re saying:
- “Thank you, Mr. President! This is the moment California has been waiting for!” the Hilton campaign posted on X. - “Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job,” Trump wrote, adding he would help Hilton “with Federal help.” - Hilton said he hasn’t discussed the race with Trump and warned against nationalizing the campaign.
Reality check:
- California remains a Democratic-leaning state, and Trump is widely unpopular there, which could limit the endorsement’s impact among swing voters. - Democrats have warned that a crowded field could still split their vote, but party leaders argue the odds of a GOP lockout are low.
What to watch:
- Whether Hilton’s campaign can convert Trump’s backing into a durable lead over Bianco and keep Democrats from splitting the vote. - The San Diego GOP convention’s endorsement decision and any shifts in polling after the announcement.
The bottom line:
- Trump’s endorsement could reshape the GOP field and the path to November, but California’s electorate and primary rules still make the outcome uncertain.