Trump endorses Republican Steven Hilton for California governor, reordering wide-open race

Los Angeles. President Donald Trump on late Sunday posted on Truth Social endorsing conservative commentator Steve Hilton for California governor, calling him 'a truly fine man' and criticizing state policies; the endorsement arrives about a month before mail ballots are scheduled to be mailed ahead of the June 2, 2026 primary. The endorsement immediately boosts Hilton's profile and may consolidate conservative support in the crowded Republican primary, elevating rivals such as Chad Bianco; however, Trump remains widely unpopular statewide, potentially turning the endorsement into a general-election liability if a Democrat reaches the November ballot under California's top-two primary system.