Donald Trump Endorses Steve Hilton in California Gubernatorial Race

Former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Steve Hilton for the California governor's race on his Truth Social platform. Hilton, who holds dual U.S. and British nationality, previously served as director of strategy to British Prime Minister David Cameron until 2012, when he relocated to California.

After leaving government, Hilton hosted a show on Fox News. Trump's endorsement statement reads: "I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years ... With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!

“I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years ... With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT.”

California's election system features an open primary on June 2, under which all candidates appear on a single ballot, and the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election, irrespective of their party affiliation. This structure applies to the gubernatorial contest, where multiple candidates from both major parties are competing.

Polls indicate that Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are in close contention with Democratic candidates U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, and billionaire activist Tom Steyer, according to The Independent.

Both Hilton and Bianco have expressed support for Trump, while emphasizing state-level concerns including crime rates and taxation policies in their campaigns.

Newsom has held the office since 2019 but is term-limited and cannot seek a third consecutive term. The position oversees a state with the world's fifth-largest economy, managing issues such as housing affordability, environmental regulations, and public safety.

The next governor will serve a four-year term starting in January 2027. The last Republican to serve as California governor was actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who held the office from 2003 to 2011. California has not elected a Republican governor since Schwarzenegger's tenure, with Democrats maintaining control amid the state's voter registration advantage for the party.

The gubernatorial race affects California's 39 million residents, including businesses, local governments, and federal relations, given the state's size and influence on national policy. Key stakeholders include voters in urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as rural and inland areas where issues like taxes and crime resonate.

Post-primary, the November ballot will determine the successor to Newsom, with implications for state budget priorities and legislative agendas. Following the June 2 primary, campaigns will intensify leading to the general election, with candidates focusing on voter turnout and policy platforms.

The outcome could shift the balance of power in Sacramento, influencing responses to ongoing challenges such as wildfires, homelessness, and economic recovery.