President Donald Trump has endorsed ex-British government aide and former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the race for California’s next governor, saying he can “turn around” a state that has “gone to hell”.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he has known and “respected” Hilton for years.
He added: “With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!”
Why It Matters
Trump’s endorsement could reshape the California governor’s race by consolidating Republican support behind Hilton in a crowded primary.
Both Hilton and fellow Republican candidate, Riverside County sheriff Chad Bianco, have supported Trump and are polling closely with Democrats U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, former U.S. Representative Katie Porter and billionaire activist Tom Steyer, according to Reuters.
The top two finishers in the June 2 open primary will stand in November’s election, regardless of what party they belong to, according to California law.
What To Know
Trump’s Truth Social post went on to slam California’s current governor Gavin Newsom, calling him “Gavin Newscum” and saying he “and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job.”
“People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World,” Trump said.
“Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!”
Hilton, a dual national, served as former British Prime Minister David Cameron’s director of strategy before he moved to California in 2012.
Hilton previously said he is not running on a partisan platform, telling local podcast California Politics 360: “I’m here for every Californian.”But he added that he would be “honored” to have Trump’s endorsement.
“My entire plan is non-ideological, $3 gas, cut your electric bills half, your first 100 grand tax-free, a home you can afford to buy – these are things that are there for every Californian,” he said.
The Steve Hilton For Governor campaign page thanked Trump for his endorsement in a post on X, saying “this is the moment California has been waiting for.”
What People Are Saying
Talking about his time working for the British government, Hilton said that while he did work for a conservative prime minister, “it was a coalition government.”
“So I’m used to working across the aisle, I shared an office right next to the Cabinet Room with my opposite number from a different party,” he said. “And so I think that, you know, the job is to make life better for everybody who lives in this state.”
Steve Hilton For Governor campaign account said on X: “With President Trump’s full backing and federal support, we are going to take California back and make it better than ever before! Thank you, Mr. President! This is the moment California has been waiting for!”