President Donald Trump issued a complete endorsement of former Fox News host Steve Hilton for California governor, a move that could consolidate Republican support in a fractured primary field where Democrats risk splitting their vote among eight major candidates.
Presidential Backing Reshapes GOP Primary
Trump announced his support through Truth Social, declaring that Hilton has his complete and total endorsement. The president pledged federal assistance to help turn around what he described as California’s decline under Democratic leadership. Trump’s backing favors Hilton over Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, the other prominent Republican candidate, potentially unifying GOP voters behind a single contender in the June 2 primary.
Hilton brings unique credentials as a former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron. His campaign platform emphasizes reducing worker taxes, expanding homeownership opportunities, and improving student achievement in math and English standards. The political strategist drove environmental policy reforms during his time in British politics before transitioning to American media.
Democrats Face Split Vote Challenge
California’s jungle primary system advances the top two vote-getters regardless of party affiliation. Eight prominent Democrats are competing, including Representative Eric Swalwell, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Representative Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, billionaire Tom Steyer, state Superintendent Tony Thurmond, former state Controller Betty Yee, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks urged candidates without viable paths to withdraw, warning that vote fragmentation could enable two Republicans to advance.
Tight Race Shows No Clear Leader
Recent polling from the University of California, Berkeley shows no candidate exceeding 17 percent support. Hilton leads narrowly at 17 percent, followed closely by Bianco at 16 percent, Swalwell at 14 percent, and Porter at 13 percent. Several candidates remain within the margin of error, indicating the race remains wide open. The primary contest will replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, whose administration Trump criticized as representative of failed Democratic governance.