Donald Trump Endorses Steve Hilton for 2026 California Governor Race

Former President Donald Trump has announced his endorsement of conservative commentator Steve Hilton for the 2026 California gubernatorial race. The endorsement, made via Truth Social, positions Hilton as a leading Republican contender as candidates prepare for an upcoming primary election, referred to in reports as June 2, that will narrow the field for the general election.

The endorsement positions Hilton as a leading Republican contender for the 2026 California gubernatorial race, ahead of a primary election that will narrow the field.

Trump's Endorsement Details

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Steve Hilton for California governor for the 2026 gubernatorial race. The announcement was made late Sunday evening Pacific time on Trump's social media platform, Truth Social.

In his statement, Trump referred to Hilton as a "truly fine man" and stated that "Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT." Trump also criticized current California Governor Gavin Newsom, stating that Newsom and Democrats "have done an absolutely horrendous job."

He added that with federal assistance and a governor like Hilton, California "can be better than ever before," and stated, "Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help."

Steve Hilton: Background and Campaign Goals

Steve Hilton, 56, is a conservative commentator and former host of 'The Next Revolution' on Fox News. His professional background includes serving as a senior advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron and co-founding Crowdpac, a nonpartisan political fundraising website.

Born in England to parents who fled communism in Hungary, Hilton became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and resides in Atherton with his wife and two children. He attended Oxford University and began his political career with the UK's Conservative Party during Margaret Thatcher's premiership before relocating to California in 2012.

Following the endorsement, Hilton's campaign stated on social media, "Thank you, Mr. President! This is the moment California has been waiting for!" The campaign expressed an intent to "take California back and make it better than ever before" and "turn things around."

Hilton has stated priorities including reducing taxes for workers, improving home ownership opportunities, and assisting students in meeting state math and English standards. He has attributed high housing costs and gas prices in California to Democratic policies, stating that current issues are the result of 15 years of one-party rule by Democrats.

Rival Reaction and Primary System

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, another prominent Republican candidate, expressed skepticism regarding Hilton's viability as California's next governor. In an Instagram video, Bianco stated, "For me, this has never been about being the top Republican. I have promised to be a governor for all Californians." He added, "Today, I have been singled out as the only candidate in this race fighting for every Californian." Bianco had previously indicated that his team was in discussions with Trump's advisors and had expressed a desire for Trump's support.

The upcoming election cycle for the governorship, culminating in the 2026 general election, includes a primary election described by sources as taking place on June 2. Mail ballots are reportedly being sent to voters approximately one month prior to this date.

The election operates under California's "top-two" primary system, where the two candidates receiving the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the November general election. The ballot features over 50 candidates, including eight major Democratic candidates. Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited.

Polling Insights and Endorsement Impact

Recent opinion polls indicate a crowded field with no clear frontrunner. A poll by UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies found Hilton and Bianco leading Republican contenders with 17% and 16% respectively, followed by Democratic candidates Rep. Eric Swalwell at 14% and former Rep. Katie Porter at 13%. This poll suggested a possibility of Democrats being excluded from the November general election due to a splintering of Democratic votes among numerous candidates.

Political analysts have offered varying perspectives on the potential impact of Trump's endorsement:

• It is anticipated to boost Hilton's support among GOP voters and could consolidate conservative support, especially ahead of the upcoming state GOP convention.
• It may reduce the likelihood of two Republican candidates advancing to the general election.

Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College, suggested the endorsement might unintentionally benefit Democrats in the general election by consolidating the Republican vote around one candidate who would then face a unified Democratic opponent.

Rob Pyers, research director for the California Target Book, commented that Trump's endorsement could alleviate the need for Democrats to spend significant funds to ensure one of their candidates survives the primary.

Conversely, Trump's significant unpopularity in California, a state with a strong Democratic majority, could pose a challenge for Hilton if he advances to the general election against a Democratic opponent.

Democrats have expressed concern that a large field of their candidates could divide the vote, potentially allowing two Republicans to secure the top two primary spots. California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks had advised candidates without a viable path to the General Election not to run in the primary.

California's Political Landscape

California is a state with a strong Democratic majority, where registered Democratic voters outnumber Republicans by nearly two-to-one. Republicans have not secured a statewide election in California for two decades.

Preceding the Endorsement

Trump's endorsement followed a debate between Hilton and Bianco in Rancho Mirage, moderated by Richard Grenell. The endorsement also preceded the state GOP's meeting in San Diego to consider its own endorsement in the race.