President Donald Trump congratulated Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton on Wednesday for leading the California governor primary [1].
The early endorsement from the former president signals a consolidation of Republican support around Hilton in a high-profile state race. This public backing occurs while election officials are still processing ballots.
Trump said on Truth Social that Hilton was "coming in first" during the vote for governor [1]. He wrote, "Congratulations to Steve Hilton on coming in first, last night, in the California Vote for Governor" [1].
Despite the social media post, the race had not been officially called [2]. The primary election took place on June 2, 2026 [3].
Data from the MSN Election Desk indicated that Hilton held the lead with 55% of the expected vote counted [4]. The desk said, "The California governor's race is not yet called" [2].
Hilton, a former Fox News host, is currently the frontrunner among the Republican candidates [4]. The results will determine who advances to the general election for the state's highest executive office.
Trump's decision to celebrate the lead before a formal declaration follows a pattern of the former president weighing in on primary outcomes. The move emphasizes his continued influence over the GOP's candidate selection process in key states.
“"Congratulations to Steve Hilton on coming in first, last night, in the California Vote for Governor."”
Trump's premature congratulation serves as a strategic signal to the Republican base, effectively crowning Hilton as the party's preferred choice before the certification process is complete. By framing a lead as a victory, Trump accelerates the momentum of a specific candidate, potentially discouraging challengers or urging party loyalty ahead of the general election.
