Former U.S. President Trump Endorses Steve Hilton in California Gubernatorial Race

Former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Steve Hilton, a former aide to British Prime Minister David Cameron, for the 2026 California gubernatorial election. The endorsement was announced on Trump's Truth Social platform on Wednesday. Hilton, who became a U.S. citizen in 2015, is a political commentator and founder of Golden Together, a nonprofit focused on centrist policies.

Hilton served as director of strategy in Cameron's government from 2010 to 2012. After moving to California, he worked as a senior advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and later hosted 'The Next Revolution' on Fox News from 2017 to 2020. He announced his candidacy for governor in February 2024, positioning himself as a moderate Republican aiming to address housing, technology, and economic issues in the state.

California's gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026, with Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited and unable to run again. The race will feature a nonpartisan top-two primary system, where the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party.

Democrats hold a significant registration advantage in the state, with about 46% of voters registered as Democrats compared to 24% Republicans, according to state data.

Hilton's campaign emphasizes innovation and bipartisanship, drawing on his experience in both British and California politics. He has criticized extreme elements in both major parties and advocates for policies to reduce housing costs and promote tech industry growth.

The endorsement from Trump, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, could influence voter turnout among conservative bases in the primary.

Trump's support highlights divisions within the California Republican field, which includes other candidates like former U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy and state Assemblymember Vince Fong. The endorsement may energize Hilton's campaign among Trump-aligned voters but could alienate moderate Republicans in a state where the party has struggled to win statewide offices since 2006.

The stakes in the 2026 race are high, as the winner will lead a state with the world's fifth-largest economy, overseeing issues like wildfires, homelessness, and immigration. Affected parties include California's 39 million residents, businesses, and local governments.

Primary filing deadlines are expected in early 2026, with campaigning intensifying over the next two years. Hilton's team has not yet commented on the endorsement's specific impact.