Trump Endorses Steve Hilton in Heated Race for California Governor

The president’s endorsement might have killed chances of a Republican lockout in the primary election, one analyst said.

Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton said he wants to "make California golden again," on April 22, 2025. Courtesy of Steve Hilton for Governor

Republican Steve Hilton captured President Donald Trump’s endorsement on April 5 in his quest to become the next governor of California, as he continues to lead in nearly every major poll leading to the June 2 primary.

“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 stated in part in a post on Truth Social on April 5.