President Donald Trump Endorses Steve Hilton for California Governor

President Donald J. Trump announced his endorsement Steve Hilton for California Governor late Sunday evening.

In a Truth Social post, the President said:

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. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP

The President’s endorsement is important on many fronts, but importantly shows alignment between Steve Hilton and Trump Administration policies, which in turn shores up MAGA voters. And yes, there are MAGA voters in California.

President Donald J. Trump endorses Steve Hilton for California Governor. pic.twitter.com/yvi6cs7jeW

— Katy Grimes (@KATYSaccitizen) April 6, 2026

Trump’s endorsement can open up access to donor groups for Hilton, as well as grassroots voters. Hilton has raised millions and led in some fundraising reports, but now gains an even stronger position.

This election is already making history in California with two Republicans leading in the state’s jungle primary, as the state hasn’t elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected in a recall election of former Gov. Gray Davis in 2003, and reelected in 2006.

California’s top-two primary system known as a Jungle Primary, will cause vote-splitting among the many Democrat candidates including Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter and Tom Steyer, and could allow the two Republicans to advance to the General Election.

California Democrats have significant registration advantages:

• 10.4 million registered Democrats, 45.3% of the state’s registered voters;
• 5.8 million registered Republicans, 25.2% of the state’s registered voters.

However, with California failing its people in so many areas, including the fraud currently being uncovered, failing schools, highest taxes and gas prices, this could be a very different election. And accounting for the epic devastation of the Pacific Palisades, Eaton and Malibu fires and the state’s total failure to facilitate rebuilding, some voters may quietly vote differently this election.

The largest cities in California make up Democrat urban population centers. Consequently, turnout patterns typically make any GOP path daunting – even with President Trump’s support.

This endorsement may energize the base, but could also mobilize opposition – particularly big labor. Still, in this specific primary structure, it shifts the immediate dynamics in Hilton’s favor.

The Trump endorsement is important because it clarifies the Republican lane, leverages Trump’s influence, highlights federal-state partnership potential, and adds national gravity to a race already viewed as a referendum on California’s governance challenges.

Polling in this race remains fairly fluid due to the large Democrat field and high undecided share. But Hilton and Bianco have consistently led in polling ahead of Democrats, something California has not seen since the Jungle Primary was passed by voters in 2010.

Steve Hilton responded to President Trump’s endorsement:

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump.

“California should be the best place in the world to follow your dreams, raise a family, start and grow a business. We have everything we need to lead our country again.

“But after 16 years of one-party rule, we have the highest poverty rate, highest unemployment rate, and highest cost of living in America.

“I’m running to make our state Califordable: $3.00 gas, cut your electric bills in half, your first $100,000 tax free, a home you can afford to buy. We’ll do that by putting common sense ahead of ideology, stopping fraud, waste, and abuse in our government, and cleaning up the corruption in Sacramento.

“I’m grateful for the president’s support. Together, we can turn things around and make California truly Golden Again.” – Steve Hilton