Trump endorses Steve Hilton in California governor’s race, shuffling primary prospects

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Steve Hilton in the California governor’s race ahead of the June 2, 2026, primary, shifting the dynamics in the crowded field vying to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, according to TIME and The Independent. Hilton, a former Fox News host and U.K. political strategist who became a U.S. citizen in 2021, received Trump's backing via Truth Social, where Trump promised federal support and criticized Newsom's record, as reported by Guardian World and Deadline.

Hilton’s candidacy now has the potential to divide Republican voters in the open primary, where the top two candidates move on to the November runoff regardless of party affiliation, The Independent notes. This split in GOP votes could increase the chances for Democratic candidates to advance, reducing the likelihood of a Republican-only November election, according to political analysts cited by The Week.

The endorsement has been described as an upset to GOP strategy, which aims to consolidate support to exclude Democrats from the runoff. Raw Story and The Week highlight that Trump's move may inadvertently boost Democrats’ chances by fracturing Republican voter cohesion, complicating efforts to unify behind a single GOP front-runner.

CNN has scheduled a primary debate for the gubernatorial candidates, which could further clarify voter preferences and Hilton’s standing with both Republican and independent voters, Deadline reports. The outcome of June 2 will shape November’s contest, with Trump's endorsement remaining a significant factor in the evolving electoral landscape.

Observers will be closely watching the primary results and subsequent campaign strategies, as this race not only determines California’s next governor but also signals national party dynamics ahead of 2026’s broader election season. The impact of Trump's influence on intra-party contests in key states remains a key development to monitor.