Donald Trump Backs Steve Hilton, Ex-British Adviser, in California Governor Race
In a bold move, US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Steve Hilton, a former senior advisor to the late British Prime Minister David Cameron, in the California gubernatorial election. This endorsement adds a new dynamic to a race already marked by its unpredictability in a state where Democrats hold significant dominance.
Hilton, who relocated to California, previously held a key role under Cameron from 2010 to 2012 but later distanced himself from the Conservative leader’s immigration policies. The former aide has since hosted a Fox News program and continues to engage with the conservative media outlet.
In a Truth Social post, Trump asserted that the Democratic Party’s governance in California had been “absolutely horrendous,” citing a mass exodus of residents.
The June 2 primary will determine the two top candidates, who will proceed to the general election. Republicans have not secured a statewide victory in California for over 20 years, making this race a critical opportunity for the party.
Hilton’s campaign emphasizes reduced state taxes, streamlined budgeting, and measures to alleviate housing and living expenses for families. He joined Stanford University as a visiting scholar in 2012 and announced his application for US citizenship in 2019.
California’s political landscape is dominated by Democrats, yet Republicans see this as an opportunity to challenge the status quo due to the fragmented Democratic field in the state’s top-two primary format. A March survey by the University of California, Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies challenged the political status quo, showing Hilton and Bianco leading Democratic contenders.
This prompted state Democratic leaders to urge some candidates to withdraw, as the poll indicated support for Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and billionaire climate advocate Tom Steyer among the eight Democratic hopefuls. Trump’s endorsement of Hilton, however, may squeeze out the other Republican in the race, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, leaving the door ajar for a Democrat to become a top vote-winner.
