Trump Endorses Ex-Fox News Host Steve Hilton in California Governor's Race
Donald Trump has endorsed Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the California governor's race, a move that could significantly impact Republican hopes of locking Democrats out of the November runoff. The endorsement was announced on Monday via Trump's Truth Social platform, where he wrote that Hilton "has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT" and pledged federal support for his candidacy.
Background and Political Landscape
Steve Hilton, a 50-year-old dual British-American citizen, previously served as director of strategy to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron before leaving Downing Street in 2012 and relocating to California. He later became a Fox News host before launching his campaign for governor. The endorsement complicates a delicate Republican strategy centered around California's jungle primary system, where the top two finishers on 3 June advance to November regardless of party affiliation.
With Hilton and his main Republican rival, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, running neck and neck with three leading Democrats – Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and billionaire activist Tom Steyer – Republicans had hoped the two conservatives could split the vote evenly enough to secure both spots in the runoff. However, Trump's backing may alter this dynamic.
Polling and Strategic Implications
A March poll conducted by the state's Democratic party showed Hilton leading with likely voters at 16%, followed by Bianco at 14%. Swalwell, Porter, and Steyer were tied at 10% each. Rob Pyers, a political data analyst at California Target Book, noted that the endorsement could free up tens of millions of dollars for Democratic groups that had been preparing to spend heavily to boost one Republican candidate. This strategy has been used in previous cycles to avoid a general election shutout.
Despite having expressed willingness to accept Trump's support, Hilton told Politico last week that the two had not discussed the race, stating, "I'd be honored to have the president's endorsement, but I think the California governor's race is close to the last thing on his mind right now."
Hilton's Platform and Policies
Hilton's campaign platform, dubbed "Califordable," focuses on lowering the cost of living. In a weekend interview with California Politics 360, he promised to reduce gas prices to $3 a gallon, halve energy costs through deregulation, and eliminate state income tax for Californians earning $100,000 or less. He has also proposed restricting Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants and launched a volunteer anti-fraud initiative called "Cal Doge," claiming waste and fraud in state programs have cost taxpayers over $430 billion in five years.
Additionally, Hilton is skeptical of regulating AI and technology and believes children under 16 should not own smartphones. While California is a solidly blue state, it is not entirely off-limits for Republicans in statewide office, as evidenced by Arnold Schwarzenegger's three terms as governor from 2003 to 2011.
Upcoming Events and Timeline
The endorsement comes just days before California Republican delegates convene in San Diego this weekend to vote on whether to make their own official endorsement in the race. Trump's involvement may influence their decision. Early voting for the state's primary is scheduled to begin on 23 May and will close on 2 June, setting the stage for a highly contested election season.
