Trump endorses Steve Hilton in California governor’s race

President Donald Trump weighed in on the California governor’s race, endorsing former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the crowded attempt to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“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,” Trump said.

The president also took shots at “Newscum” and the “horrendous” job he has done leading the state.

He continued on Truth Social: “People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and taxes are the highest of any state in the country, maybe the world.”

He added: “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.”

California may have a Republican governor for the first time in nearly two decades after the blue state elected Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2003, with the actor serving until 2011.

Hilton has edged ahead in the polls and Democrats are panicking that their crowded field may cause an all Republican showdown in November.

Under California law, the primary system is not based on party but rather a “top-two” system, where the two candidates with the most votes in the primary in June will face off in November.

As of now, Republican candidates Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco top the long list of Democrats in the gubernatorial race.

The California Post has reached out to Hilton’s campaign for comment on the endorsement.

The other eight candidates — all Democrats — include: Xavier Becerra, former US Health and Human Services secretary and former California attorney general; Matt Mahan, mayor of San Jose; Katie Porter, former US representative from Orange County; Tom Steyer, billionaire entrepreneur and former presidential candidate; Eric Swalwell, a US representative from the Bay Area; Tony Thurmond, the state superintendent of public instruction; Antonio Villaraigosa, former mayor of Los Angeles and Assembly speaker; and Betty Yee, former state controller.

At its February convention, the California Democratic Party failed to unite behind a single candidate. In an open letter, party chair Rusty Hicks urged contenders to take a hard look at their chances and withdraw by the filing deadline if no viable path exists.

He added that those who remain should reassess by April 15 and be prepared to back another candidate if necessary, noting that while success may be unlikely, “it is not impossible.”

Democrats make up 45.3% of registered voters, Republicans account for 25.2%, and independent voters comprise 22.3%. Given the state’s top-two primary system, if current dynamics hold, it may force a majority-Democratic electorate to choose between GOP candidates.

Hilton, a staunch critic of Gov. Gavin Newsom, is leading the crowded field, with 17% support, according to the Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey. Swalwell and Bianco are tied for second at 14%, followed by Porter at 10%. Steyer trails one point behind her. Mahan, the last candidate to join the race, only saw 3.4% support in the poll, putting him toward the bottom of the 12-candidate field.

About 21% of voters remain undecided, a 10-point decrease from the last poll in December, with Hilton gaining 5 points since then.

The poll comes as Trump issued his endorsement of Hilton, even as more than 60% of Californians in the same survey say they disapprove of the president’s job performance. In the 2024 election, Trump won roughly 40% of the vote in California, losing the state to Kamala Harris, who carried her home state.

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