Trump endorses former Fox News host Steve Hilton in California governor race

President Trump is backing Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the race for California governor.

“I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell,” Trump said in an early Monday post to Truth Social.

“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, maybe the World,” he added, using one of his nicknames for California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

Hilton announced last year that he was stepping into the Golden State’s gubernatorial race, seeking to succeed Newsom, who is seen as a possible 2028 presidential candidate and with whom Trump has had a longstanding feud.

“Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!” Trump said in his Monday post.

A campaign account for Hilton responded on X to the president’s post with, “GO STEVE!!!”

Polling from last month found Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) leading a California Democratic primary to replace Newsom, who is term-limited. In the Emerson College/Inside California Politics survey, Swallwell’s backing had risen several points since late last year, garnering 17 percent of likely voters.

Hilton was in second place in the poll at 13 percent support, down 4 points from February. 

Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and billionaire Tom Steyer followed with 11 percent each, while former Rep. Katie Porter (D) brought in 8 percent support. 

California has a nonpartisan system in which the top two candidates move on from the primary to the general, despite party affiliation.

The Hill has reached out to Newsom’s press office for comment.

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