Donald Trump Endorses Steve Hilton For California Governor

Donald Trump weighed in on the race for California governor Monday, endorsing Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News contributor.

Trump posted on Truth Social early on Monday, “I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell. Gavin Newscum 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. 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! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT.”

Trump’s endorsement may have the effect of consolidating support around Hilton over Republican Chad Bianco, the sheriff of Riverside County, dimming the chances of a GOP upset even though California has long been dominated by Democrats.

Some polls showed that Hilton and Bianco were leading the field of all contenders in the state’s open primary in June, topping a large field of Democrats who have split support. The top two vote getters will advance to the general election, regardless of party. If Republicans coalesce around Hilton, that would help ensure a slot for at least one of the Democratic contenders.

Meanwhile, CNN has scheduled a gubernatorial debate on May 5, with Elex Michaelson and Kaitlan Collins as moderators. Among the criteria are for candidates to have raised at least $1 million for the gubernatorial campaign and to have received at least 3% support among likely primary voters in two gubernatorial polls, or an average of 3% in two polls that meet the network’s methodology standards.

The two-hour debate will take place in the Los Angeles area.

Hilton hosted the weekly show The Next Revolution on Fox News from 2017-2023. He was an adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron before becoming a California resident in 2012.

The last Republican to be elected governor in California was Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.