OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
8:41 AM – Monday, April 5, 2026
President Donald Trump has given a full endorsement to Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton for governor of California.
“I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years,” the president wrote on his Truth Social platform in the early hours on Monday. “He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell.”
“Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job,” he continued, referring to incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.), who is term-limited. “People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World.”
Trump promised to help California with its affordability crisis should Hilton win the crowded gubernatorial race.
“Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!” Trump said. “With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!”
“Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!” He concluded.
Hilton has been leading the race thus far, according to polling averages. Close behind him is Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), with some data finding Swalwell in the lead in March. The congressman surpassed former U.S. Representative Katie Porter (D-Calif.) after videos surfaced online showing her volatile temperament when speaking with journalists.
Hilton is one of two Republican candidates running against eight Democrats for Newsom’s office. With the Democrat vote so split, he and Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco have consistently led in polls.
In late March, the Democrat Party in California published results of a poll of 2,000 likely voters that found that 16% of participants favor Hilton in the upcoming primary, with 14% supporting Bianco, and the Democrat candidates each hovering at 10% or under.
A U.C. Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll released in mid-March also found Hilton and Bianco leading with 17% and 16%, respectively.
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