President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican candidate Steve Hilton for governor of California [1].

The endorsement shifts the dynamics of a high-stakes primary race that has seen a major shakeup in the Democratic field. With a June 2026 primary election approaching, the race has become a focal point for national political attention.

A recent poll shows that Hilton and Democratic candidate Tom Steyer are currently the top two candidates in the gubernatorial primary [2]. This tight split between the Republican and Democratic front-runners suggests a highly competitive environment as candidates vie for the nomination.

The race was further intensified by the withdrawal of former Democratic frontrunner Eric Swalwell [2]. Swalwell dropped out of the race following allegations of sexual assault, though he has denied the claims [2].

Hilton's path to the nomination has been marked by high-profile support. Trump said he endorsed Hilton late on a Sunday night in April 2026 [3]. This move provides Hilton with significant visibility and a consolidated base of support among Republican voters.

Hilton previously announced his campaign for governor in Huntington Beach in 2025 [4]. Other candidates, including Matt Mahan, continue to compete in the primary [1].

The current polling indicates a divided electorate, with Steyer and Hilton emerging as the primary contenders to lead their respective parties into the general election [2].

“President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican candidate Steve Hilton for governor of California.”

The convergence of a high-profile endorsement and the sudden exit of a leading Democratic candidate has transformed the California gubernatorial race into a polarized contest. The narrow gap between Steyer and Hilton suggests that the primary will serve as a referendum on the candidates' respective alignments with the national wings of their parties, potentially setting the stage for a starkly ideological general election.