Trump endorses ex-UK political aide Steve Hilton for California governor
Trump Backs Steve Hilton in California Governor Race
Donald Trump, the US president, has thrown his support behind Steve Hilton, a former key advisor to the late British Prime Minister David Cameron, in the race for California’s governorship. This endorsement adds an unexpected twist to a race marked by volatility in a state where Democrats typically hold dominance. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Hilton, stating he would “be a great governor” and criticized the current Democratic administration for its “absolutely horrendous job” in managing the state.
California’s 2 June primary features 10 candidates, with the top two advancing regardless of party affiliation. Despite this, Republicans have not secured a statewide victory in the state since the early 2000s. Hilton, who now resides in California, previously served as a senior aide to Cameron from 2010 to 2012 before adopting a more critical stance toward the Conservative leader’s immigration policies. He later became a prominent figure on Fox News, where he hosted a show and continues to contribute to the network’s content.
Hilton’s campaign centers on reducing taxes, trimming the state budget, and lowering costs for families through initiatives targeting housing and other essential expenses. He joined Stanford University as a visiting scholar in 2012 and announced his application for US citizenship in 2019. While Democrats control most state offices, the race has seen a fractured Democratic field, creating an opening for Republicans to challenge the status quo.
Endorsement Sparks Uncertainty
Trump’s endorsement of Hilton may influence voter perceptions, though it could also split the Republican vote. The primary includes another GOP contender, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who might struggle to gain traction if Trump’s backing draws significant attention. A March poll by the University of California, Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies highlighted this dynamic, showing Hilton and Bianco leading Democratic candidates like Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer.
“Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job” in California, Trump wrote, adding that “people are fleeing” the state. This rhetoric has raised concerns among Democratic officials, who worried the endorsement might disrupt their internal competition and weaken their chances in the general election.
The race remains unpredictable, with Trump’s influence potentially tipping the balance toward a Republican candidate or reinforcing the Democrats’ struggle to unify their base. As the primary approaches, the political landscape continues to shift under the weight of high-profile endorsements and a divided field of contenders.
