BIG: President Trump endorses ONE candidate in CA governor’s race
President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton in California, with the primaries just around the corner.
by Summer Lane | April 6, 2026
President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Republican Steve Hilton in the California governor’s race comes just weeks before the state’s primary election as the competition heats up.
In an extremely crowded field, Republican Steve Hilton and Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco have both consistently led the pack of potential candidates for governor.
Amid California’s jungle primary, this year’s June election could have very well sent two Republicans to the primary election this fall – but with the president’s endorsement solidly behind Hilton, it may become a two-party race yet again, although nothing is promised.
“I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years,” President Trump said in his endorsement statement.
He continued, “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!”
As reported by LindellTV, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco took an early lead in the gubernatorial race. Bianco openly endorsed President Trump in 2024 and has remained a popular candidate with Republican voters in California, too.
Steve Hilton, as the lucky recipient of President Trump’s endorsement, brings a background of communications expertise to his political platform. Originally from England, Hilton made the jump from the UK to California in 2012, according to his campaign website. He’s hosted multiple podcasts and has been deeply involved in conservative politics. He was also involved in politics during his time in England.
Rob Pyers, a data guru for California Target Book, observed of the president’s endorsement of Hilton, “Trump’s endorsement of Steve Hilton likely frees up tens of millions of dollars for Democratic groups who would have otherwise had to spend heavily to elevate one of the two leading GOP gubernatorial candidates to avoid a Democratic lockout.”
California native and Trump administration Special Envoy for Special Missions of the U.S., Richard Grenell, sharply disagreed with Pyers’ assessment on social media. “You are a moron if you think there was ever a chance of an R vs R in the runoff. Stop duping people. Have you seen the voter registration numbers in California?”
Pyers explained in a secondary statement, “While the odds were slim, California’s base GOP vote generally falls between 35-40% despite its 25% registration share (45% Dem, 23% Independent), leaving 60-65% available for the standing room only Democratic field and giving Rs an outside shot had support remained evenly divided between Bianco and Hilton.”
In a recent poll from Berkeley’s Institute of Government Studies, Hilton (the leader) and Bianco were the two top candidates, with only one point separating them. Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell was in third place, tied with former Democrat Rep. Katie Porter.
Photo: Adobe Stock
