Trump Backs Steve Hilton for California Governor, Passing Over Local Sheriff Chad Bianco

President Donald Trump threw his support behind former Fox News host Steve Hilton for California governor late Sunday night, bypassing Riverside County's own Sheriff Chad Bianco.

In a Truth Social post, Trump called Hilton a "fine man" and said he has his "complete and total endorsement." Hilton, a British immigrant turned conservative media personality, is competing against Bianco and a wide field of Democratic candidates ahead of California's June primary.

The race operates under a top-two system, meaning the two highest vote-getters advance to November regardless of party. That structure has some Democrats worried. With multiple Democratic candidates splitting votes, two Republicans could theoretically claim both top spots, shutting Democrats out of the general election entirely in a state that hasn't elected a Republican governor in nearly 20 years.

Hilton and Bianco Face Off in the Valley

Before the endorsement landed, the two Republican candidates met at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage over the weekend for a debate. For a full breakdown of where each candidate stood and what was said, read our full debate coverage.