Donald Trump is throwing his weight behind Steve Hilton's bid to become California governor, posting his endorsement on Truth Social and signaling potential intervention if elected president.
Trump's overnight post highlighted Hilton, a former Fox News host, as capable of reversing what the former president sees as California's mismanagement under current Gov. Gavin Newsom. "Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!" Trump wrote.
The endorsement injects a major player into California's primary race, which operates under a top-two system: the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. The mechanism means a Democrat and Republican could face off, or two members of the same party.
Hilton's entry into the race represents a significant test of Trump's endorsement power in a state where Republicans face structural disadvantages. California's voter registration heavily favors Democrats, making any Republican path to the governorship an uphill climb.
As a Fox News personality, Hilton has built a profile in conservative media circles, giving him name recognition among Republican voters. His campaign will now benefit from Trump's explicit backing at a time when the former president remains a gravitational force within the GOP.
The race continues to attract multiple candidates seeking to challenge Newsom or position themselves as alternatives. Trump's move signals he intends to remain actively engaged in shaping Republican strategy and candidate selection, even as his own legal challenges continue.
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