Politics

Trump Endorses Steve Hilton for California Governor

Is Trump's endorsement of Hilton a game-changer or a self-inflicted wound that hands Democrats a free win?

Published APR 6

Trump Endorses Steve Hilton for California Governor

Story

Above: Steve Hilton speaks at the Skirball Cultural Center on Feb. 26. Image credit: David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News/Getty Images

The Facts

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued a "COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT" of Steve Hilton in the 2026 California gubernatorial race, writing that Hilton is "a truly fine man" and California has "gone to Hell" under Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Donald Trump on Truthsocial
Hilton, a former Fox News host and ex-adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, is competing in California's jungle primary on June 2. The top two vote-getters will advance to the general election regardless of party.
NBC
Guardian
A recent University of California Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll found Hilton leading the field at 17% among likely voters, with Republican rival Chad Bianco at 16% and Democrat U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell at 14%.
New York Post
Orange County Register
Trump's endorsement came days before California Republican delegates were set to convene in San Diego to vote on an official party endorsement, and one day after Hilton and Bianco debated in Rancho Mirage.
The Washington Examiner
Los Angeles Times
Hilton's platform, which he calls "Califordable," focuses on lowering the cost of living, including cutting state income tax for Californians earning $100,000 or less and reducing gas prices to $3 a gallon.
CNN
Guardian

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

This is exactly what California needs to finally break free from Newsom's disastrous legacy. Hilton has already hit the ground running with a California DOGE initiative, traveling statewide and rooting out fraud before even taking office. With Trump's complete and total backing, Hilton is the only candidate with the vision and drive to make the Golden State great again.

Kyle Campbell on X

Steve Sanchez on X

QThestorm on X

Narrative B

This is a massive unforced error that hands California Democrats a gift. By consolidating Republican voters behind one candidate, the move collapses any chance of two Republicans advancing to the general and lets a Democrat slip into second place. Trump now fully owns the inevitable GOP loss in November, which will likely happen in a state where Trump is unpopular.