Former President Donald Trump announced his backing Monday for Steve Hilton, a Fox News host and former British political strategist, who is seeking the California governorship.
The dual-citizen candidate previously worked as strategy director for former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and was among his inner circle of advisors until departing from Downing Street in 2012 to relocate to California.
“I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years … With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform.
California’s electoral system allows the two candidates receiving the most votes in the June 2 primary to proceed to the general election in November, without regard to political party affiliation.
Current polling indicates Republican contenders Hilton and Chad Bianco, who serves as Riverside County sheriff, are running neck-and-neck with three Democratic hopefuls: Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and wealthy activist Tom Steyer.
Both Hilton and Bianco have aligned themselves with Trump while emphasizing California-centered concerns including public safety and tax burdens in their campaign messaging.
Current Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who assumed office in 2019, faces term limits that prevent him from seeking reelection.
The state has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger completed his tenure in 2011 after serving from 2003.
