President Trump announced his endorsement for former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the California gubernatorial race.
“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,” he wrote on Truth Social. “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!!!”
Hilton launched his campaign in April 2025 under the theme, “Golden Again: Great Jobs, Great Homes, Great Kids.”
“I just want to ask people to imagine what California would be like after another 15 years of one-party rule by the Democrats,” he told news outlets at the time. “It is just a disaster on every front.” He also released a campaign video, saying it’s “time for a new future” and pledging to bring accountability, opportunity, and real reform back to Sacramento.
Recent polls indicate that Republicans are leading the gubernatorial race. Hilton, a legal immigrant from the United Kingdom who moved to California in 2014, leads all candidates at 17 percent. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, also a Republican, comes in at 16 percent. Both men are ahead of the top Democratic contenders: Rep. Eric Swalwell and former Rep. Katie Porter, each at 13 percent.
