President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Steve Hilton for California governor on Monday, consolidating GOP support amid a crowded primary field. A new poll shows Hilton tied with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 14%, ahead of leading Democrats. The endorsement may prevent a potential Democratic lockout under the state's top-two primary system.
President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Steve Hilton, a British-born former Fox News host, for the California governorship on April 6. Trump praised Hilton, saying, “Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!” He criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats, claiming they have led to people fleeing, rising crime, and the highest taxes in the country. Hilton's campaign celebrated, stating, “With President Trump’s full backing and federal support, we are going to take California back and make it better than ever before.” Hilton himself said he was “honored” and “grateful,” adding that together they could “make California truly Golden Again.” Hilton told the New York Times he never believed Democrats would allow two Republicans to top the primary. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, Hilton's main GOP rival, criticized the move on social media: “For too long, politicians and insiders from Sacramento to Washington have tried to pick our leaders for us. That’s not leadership. That’s a coronation.” An EVITARUS poll sponsored by the California Democratic Party, released April 7 and surveying 1,200 likely voters from March 31 to April 5, showed Bianco and Hilton each at 14%, with Democrat Eric Swalwell at 12%, Tom Steyer at 11%, and Katie Porter at 7%. Other Democrats trailed at 4% or less, with 24% undecided. The poll found 51% of respondents saying California is on the wrong track. Mark Baldassare, survey director at the Public Policy Institute of California, said the endorsement means “more likely, that one Republican will find their way to 20 percent support or more, and there will be a Democratic candidate in the race.” California's June 2 primary advances the top two vote-getters to November, regardless of party. The endorsement could boost Hilton while allowing a Democrat to advance, reducing fears of two Republicans facing off.
