Trump Endorses Steve Hilton, Shaking Up California Governor’s Race

A major shift is underway in California’s race for governor after Donald Trump officially endorsed Republican businessman Steve Hilton, a move already triggering strong reactions across Riverside County and beyond.

The endorsement comes just days after a heated debate between Hilton and fellow Republican candidate Chad Bianco, underscoring growing divisions within the GOP as the primary election approaches.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Hilton’s candidacy, writing that with “federal help and a great governor like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before,” adding that Hilton has his “complete and total endorsement.”

Hilton responded with a video statement on social media, thanking the former president and emphasizing his vision for California’s future.

Bianco, who debated Hilton in Rancho Mirage just two days earlier, also issued a response online, signaling that the endorsement is unlikely to settle the contest within Republican ranks.

The reaction among local Republicans has been mixed, revealing a split within the party.

Republican Party of Riverside County leaders say they respect Trump’s decision but continue to support Bianco’s campaign, citing his local leadership and record as sheriff.

That stance is echoed by the East Valley Republican Women Patriots, whose members say they have backed Bianco from the beginning and remain committed to his candidacy despite the high-profile endorsement of his rival.

Meanwhile, Democrats view the development as a potential advantage.

Leaders from Democrats of the Desert argue the endorsement highlights fractures within the Republican Party, which could impact the outcome of California’s “top-two” primary system.

Political observers note that a divided Republican vote may reduce the likelihood of two GOP candidates advancing to the general election—opening the door for a Democrat to secure one of the top spots.

With the primary election fast approaching, attention is now focused on how voters will respond to Trump’s endorsement and whether it will alter the trajectory of what is shaping up to be a closely contested race.

The coming weeks are expected to test not only candidate momentum but also party unity, as California’s gubernatorial contest enters a critical phase.