Trump Endorses Steve Hilton Before California GOP Governor Endorsement Vote
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President Donald Trump has endorsed conservative commentator and former Fox News host Steve Hilton in California’s 2026 governor’s race just days before state Republicans vote Sunday in San Diego on an official party endorsement. The move puts Trump at odds with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a loyal Trump supporter who has deep ties among party insiders and recently drew national attention for seizing ballots in his county. Under California GOP rules, a candidate needs support from 60% of convention delegates to win the endorsement, and party chair Corrin Rankin says Trump’s backing is likely to rally the base and generate enthusiasm for Hilton. Because California uses a top‑two primary system with all candidates from both parties on the same June ballot, strategists note that consolidating Republican support around Hilton could reduce Bianco’s vote share and make a two‑Republican general‑election matchup less likely, easing Democratic fears that their divided field might be shut out. Bianco, in a video response, cast Trump’s intervention and insider maneuvering as an attempted 'coronation' and insisted the election should be decided by voters, not party elites.