President Donald Trump is throwing his support behind former Fox News host Steve Hilton in California\u2019s 2026 gubernatorial race, issuing a forceful endorsement as Republicans look to compete in a state long dominated by Democrats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cI have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years,\u201d Trump wrote in a Truth Social post announcing his backing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Hilton is one of more than a dozen Republicans vying for their party\u2019s nomination in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. A former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, Hilton later became a prominent conservative media figure in the U.S., hosting The Next Revolution<\/em> on Fox News from 2017 to 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His candidacy has also drawn support from high-profile conservative figures, including former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and actor Jon Voight, helping to elevate his profile in an already crowded GOP field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the Democratic side, the race is shaping up to be equally competitive \u2014 and potentially fragmented. Declared candidates include Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Katie Porter, and billionaire donor Tom Steyer, with the possibility of additional entrants. Because California uses a \u201ctop-two\u201d primary system \u2014 where all candidates compete on the same ballot regardless of party and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election \u2014 a crowded Democratic field could split the vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That dynamic has, in past elections, created an opening for Republicans to consolidate support behind a single candidate and potentially secure a spot in the general election, even in a heavily blue state. If Democratic voters divide their support among multiple well-funded contenders, it raises the possibility \u2014 however narrow \u2014 of an unexpected general election matchup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hilton, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in London, has leaned into his outsider profile and policy background. In addition to his media career, he has been active in policy circles and previously called for investigations into alleged voter fraud following the 2020 presidential election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s endorsement gives Hilton an early boost in the Republican primary and signals where the former president\u2019s political influence may shape the race. It also aligns Hilton closely with Trump\u2019s broader message on crime, taxes, and governance \u2014 themes Republicans hope will resonate with voters frustrated by California\u2019s high cost of living and quality-of-life concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 2026 election will determine who replaces Newsom, who cannot seek another term due to term limits. While Democrats remain favored in statewide contests, the structure of the primary \u2014 combined with a divided field \u2014 could make this race more competitive than usual, particularly if one Republican emerges as a clear standard-bearer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n