Republicans at the California convention are debating endorsements for governor candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco amid attention from Trump’s support.<\/p>\n
SAN DIEGO \u2014 Republicans are gathering in San Diego for the opening day of the California Republican Party convention, where GOP delegates are weighing an endorsement in the race for governor. They’re are focused on whether to back one of their leading candidates ahead of the June primary. The two frontrunners \u2014 former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco \u2014 are competing for the party\u2019s official endorsement.<\/p>\n
The contest has drawn additional attention after Donald Trump endorsed Hilton, a move some party members say has shifted conversations among delegates.<\/p>\n
Volunteers and party leaders at the convention described enthusiasm for both candidates and emphasized the importance of voter turnout.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe choice people get is the difference between good and better,\u201d said Assemblymember David Tangipa, a Republican from Fresno. \u201cBut what I\u2019m hopeful for is that Republicans just show up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, political observers say the likelihood of two Republicans advancing to the November runoff \u2014 a scenario made possible under California\u2019s top-two primary system \u2014 appears to be diminishing.<\/p>\n
California Republican Party Chair Corrin Rankin said Trump\u2019s endorsement has not dramatically altered the race so far, noting that polling has consistently shown Hilton and Bianco as the top GOP contenders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re ready to take over and we\u2019re ready to lead,\u201d Rankin said, adding that delegates are paying attention to Trump\u2019s involvement.<\/p>\n