Trump’s Surprise Endorsement of Steve Hilton Upends California Governor’s Race

SACRAMENTO, California — Former President Donald Trump’s unexpected endorsement of ex-Fox host Steve Hilton jolted California’s crowded governor’s race and reshaped Republican chances in the state’s unique top-two primary system.

Hilton’s campaign had already attracted a constellation of MAGA-aligned figures — including actor Jon Voight, conservative activist Charlie Kirk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy — and received steady amplification from sympathetic Fox hosts. Influential conservative podcaster Laura Loomer has also spent months attacking GOP rival Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and said she shared videos and posts about him with members of Trump’s orbit and White House political staff.

How The Endorsement Came Together

After a contentious Saturday-night debate in which Hilton accused Bianco of being soft on immigration, Fox commentators increased pressure on the former president to weigh in. Sources familiar with private conversations — who spoke on the condition of anonymity — say that pressure, combined with other MAGA organizing, helped prompt Trump’s early-Monday endorsement posted on Truth Social.

People inside the White House reportedly reasoned that, while it is unlikely a Republican will win the governorship in heavily Democratic California, Trump’s backing could help ensure at least one GOP candidate advances to the November runoff. That, in turn, could boost turnout for a proposed voter ID initiative and improve its prospects.

Political Math And Reactions

California’s jungle primary advances the top two vote-getters — regardless of party — to the general election. Some Republicans had quietly hoped both Bianco and Hilton could split conservative voters evenly and squeeze Democrats out of the top two. Trump’s endorsement, however, threatens to consolidate the GOP base behind Hilton and reduce the already slim chance of a two-Republican finish.

“I don't know if they weren't aware or don't care,” said California Republican consultant Matt Rexroad, who has previously worked for Bianco. Many outside observers were surprised by the timing: one Hilton adviser said the campaign was not briefed and learned of the endorsement only at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday.

“It’s weird to feel thankful for a Trump action,”

said the leader of a Democratic-aligned group at the state Capitol, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Democrats worry the endorsement will nationalize a state contest — tying Hilton to an unpopular national figure — but some privately welcomed the move if it reduces the risk of a Republican lockout under the top-two system.

Campaign Calculations And Next Steps

Hilton publicly welcomed the endorsement, writing on X that he was “deeply honored.” Campaign advisers downplayed concerns that Trump’s name could be used against Hilton in a November general election, while Hilton’s team said the candidate will keep the spotlight on state priorities — the next press event is set to focus on affordability issues rather than national politics.

California Republicans will meet in San Diego this weekend to consider a party endorsement, though state party officials say they remained neutral and did not advise the White House. Political analysts note a simulator by data expert Paul Mitchell put the chance of Democrats locking Republicans out of the runoff at roughly 3.6 percent, underscoring the uncertainty of the contest.

The move highlights the strategic trade-offs of high-profile endorsements in crowded primaries: they can consolidate a base and increase turnout, but also narrow party options and give opponents national material to use in the general election.