Republican candidate Steve Hilton highlighted his close ties to Donald Trump during the California gubernatorial primary on June 2, 2026 [1].
This alignment is a strategic effort to consolidate the Republican base in a state where the top-two primary system often risks leaving only Democratic candidates on the general election ballot. Hilton is leveraging the endorsement to ensure he advances to the November general election.
Hilton said his connection with the former president is a "constructive relationship" [2]. This partnership was solidified by a "complete and total endorsement" from Trump [3], which served as a significant boost for the campaign.
The endorsement arrived shortly before the primary concluded, with some reports noting the backing from Trump and JD Vance occurred hours before polls closed Tuesday night [4].
Hilton has framed his candidacy as a necessary alternative to the current political landscape in the state. He said, "We need to avoid only Democrat options for governor" [5].
By positioning himself as the endorsed choice of the MAGA movement, Hilton aims to distinguish himself from other Republican rivals in the race. The strategy focuses on high-turnout conservative voters who view Trump's approval as a primary qualification for office.
“"complete and total endorsement"”
The use of a high-profile endorsement from Donald Trump in California's nonpartisan top-two primary system is an attempt to prevent a 'Democratic lockout.' Because the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party, Republican candidates often compete against one another, potentially splitting the conservative vote and allowing two Democrats to secure the final ballot. Hilton is attempting to avoid this outcome by consolidating the GOP vote under a single, endorsed banner.
