Former President Donald Trump has formally endorsed Republican Steve Hilton in the upcoming race for California governor, injecting his influence into a contest that could have national implications. The endorsement, delivered via Trump's Truth Social platform, frames the election as a referendum on the leadership of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, whom Trump frequently targets.
In his statement, Trump praised Hilton as "a truly fine man" who has witnessed California's decline. He launched a broadside against Newsom, using a derisive nickname and claiming the state has suffered under Democratic control. "Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job," Trump wrote. "People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World."
Trump concluded with a full-throated backing: "Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!" Hilton's campaign quickly acknowledged the support on social media with a simple "GO STEVE!!!"
The State of the Race
The endorsement arrives as the field to succeed the term-limited Newsom begins to solidify. Recent polling from Emerson College and Inside California Politics shows a fragmented Democratic primary, with Representative Eric Swalwell currently leading at 17% support among likely voters. Steve Hilton, as a Republican, placed second in the overall poll with 13% support, though that figure represents a slight decline from earlier this year.
Other notable figures trail behind, including Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer, each with 11%, and former Representative Katie Porter at 8%. California's unique top-two primary system means the two candidates receiving the most votes in the March primary will advance to the general election in November, regardless of party affiliation. This system has previously created complex strategic dilemmas for state Republicans.
National Political Undercurrents
The governor's race carries significance beyond California's borders. Gavin Newsom is widely viewed as a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential election, and his longstanding, highly public feud with Trump adds a layer of national partisan theater to the state contest. Trump's endorsement is a clear attempt to elevate a candidate who could both challenge Newsom's legacy and serve as a loyal ally.
This move also highlights ongoing dynamics within the Republican Party, where Trump's support remains a powerful currency. The endorsement of Hilton, a former media personality, follows a pattern of Trump backing candidates with a platform in conservative media, a sphere where internal party rifts over foreign and domestic policy are often played out.
Hilton, who announced his candidacy last year, now carries the weight of Trump's endorsement into a challenging political landscape. While it may galvanize the former president's base within the state, it also solidifies Hilton's alignment with Trump's brand of politics at a time when some traditional Republicans are looking toward a post-Trump era.
The governor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump's endorsement or his criticisms. As the campaign develops, Trump's involvement ensures California's gubernatorial race will be closely watched as a proxy battle in the larger national political conflict.
