Trump endorses Steve Hilton for California governor, promises federal aid if elected

President Donald Trump endorsed Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and candidate for California governor, in a Truth Social post early on April 5, 2026. Trump described Hilton as 'a truly fine man' whom he has known for many years and said Hilton had watched California, 'this once great State,' go 'to Hell.'

Trump blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election, and Democrats for doing 'an absolutely horrendous job,' claiming 'People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World.' Trump promised that if elected, Hilton could 'turn it around' with federal assistance from the president. 'Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT,' Trump wrote.

The endorsement came amid a crowded 2026 California gubernatorial race featuring two prominent Republicans — Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco — and at least eight Democrats, including Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and billionaire Tom Steyer. California's top-two primary system, set for June 2, 2026, advances the top two finishers to the November general election regardless of party.

Recent polls show a fragmented field with no clear frontrunner. A late March poll by the Democratic Party of California of 2,000 likely voters found Hilton at 16% and Bianco at 14%, with Democrats at 10% or below. A mid-March UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll showed Hilton at 17% and Bianco at 16%. However, a March Emerson College/Inside California Politics survey had Swalwell at 17%, Hilton at 13% — down 4 points from February — Bianco and Steyer at 11% each, and Porter at 8%.

Trump's post followed a testy April 4 debate between Hilton and Bianco moderated by Richard Grenell, Trump's former ambassador to Germany. It preceded a California Republican Party convention in San Diego where delegates were to consider a party endorsement. Bianco had told reporters on April 4 that his team had spoken with Trump's advisors and he would welcome Trump's support. Hilton said he had not sought the endorsement and was not expecting it.

Hilton, a British-born former advisor to U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, announced his candidacy last year. His platform emphasizes reducing taxes for workers, improving homeownership affordability and boosting student performance in math and English. A Hilton campaign account responded to Trump's post on X with 'GO STEVE!!!'

Trump's claims about California face dispute. California Department of Justice data shows violent crime fell 5.2% in 2025 compared to 2024, though property crime rose slightly. California has the nation's highest state income tax rate at 13.3% for top earners, but New York imposes a top rate of 10.9% plus local taxes that can exceed California's effective rate in some cases. Net domestic migration out of California reached 341,000 in 2025 per U.S. Census estimates, but international immigration helped stabilize overall population.

The endorsement drew quick reaction from GOP observers. Jon Fleischman, former executive director of the California Republican Party, wrote on Substack that it would 'supercharge' Hilton's momentum ahead of the convention, though the exact post could not be independently verified at time of publication. The Hill reached out to Newsom's office for comment but received no response by deadline. In March, California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks urged less viable candidates to withdraw to avoid a potential Republican top-two finish.