U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday publicly endorsed Steve Hilton, the former British government aide and current Fox News host who is running in California’s governor’s race.
"I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years ... With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT," Trump said on Truth Social.
Hilton holds dual nationality and previously served as director of strategy for former British Prime Minister David Cameron. He left Downing Street in 2012 and relocated to California where he later launched a campaign for governor.
California law establishes an open primary on June 2 in which the top two finishers proceed to the November election regardless of party affiliation. Recent polls indicate a tight grouping among two Republican contenders, Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and three Democrats: U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, former U.S. Representative Katie Porter and billionaire activist Tom Steyer.
Both Hilton and Bianco have expressed support for Trump, though their campaigns have emphasized state-level issues. Campaign messaging from the two Republican candidates has concentrated on topics cited in their platforms as crime and high taxes as key concerns for California voters.
Incumbent Democrat Gavin Newsom, who took office in 2019, is ineligible to seek a third term under state rules and therefore is not on the ballot. The last Republican to serve as California’s governor was actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who held the office from 2003 to 2011.
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