Trump endorses former British govt aide in California governor's race

Steve Hilton, a dual national, was David Cameron’s close adviser before moving to California in 2012

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Reuters April 06, 2026 1 min read

The Seal of the Governor of the State of California is displayed on a podium prepared for Governor Gavin Newsom ahead of his expected press conference in San Diego, California, U.S., February 2, 2026. REUTERS

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US President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed former British government aide and Fox News host Steve Hilton in the upcoming California governor's race.

Hilton, who has dual nationality, served as former British Prime Minister David Cameron's director of strategy and was one of his closest advisers before leaving Downing Street in 2012 and moving to California.

"I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years ... With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT," Trump said on social media platform Truth Social.

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Under California law, the top two finishers in the June 2 open primary contest will advance to November's election, regardless of party.

Polls show that Republican candidates Hilton and Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, are closely bunched with three Democrats: US Representative Eric Swalwell, former US Representative Katie Porter, and billionaire activist Tom Steyer.

Hilton and Bianco both support Trump, though they have sought to focus their campaigns on state-specific issues such as crime and high taxes. Democrat Gavin Newsom, governor since 2019, is term-limited. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was the last Republican to serve as California governor (2003–2011).