Trump Intervenes in California: Endorses Right-Wing Steve Hilton for Governor
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In a move that threatens to further polarize California politics, former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Republican Steve Hilton, a Fox News alumnus, for governor, raising concerns about the rightward shift in the state's election.
In a development that underscores the ongoing influence of far-right figures in American politics, former President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Steve Hilton for California governor, a move that could upend the state's upcoming election. Trump, using his controversial social media platform Truth Social, announced his support late Sunday, boasting of his long association with Hilton and hailing him as 'a truly fine man'—despite Hilton's record of supporting regressive policies and tax cuts for the wealthy.
This endorsement lands just ahead of California's June 2 primary, which, under the 'top-two' system, allows all candidates to compete on the same ballot, with only the two highest vote-getters advancing. The race is crowded, featuring over 50 candidates, including progressive Democrats like U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Katie Porter, and billionaire activist Tom Steyer, as well as Hilton's Republican rival, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco—a figure known for his hardline stances.
Hilton, whose background includes hosting on Fox News and advising the austerity-driven British Prime Minister David Cameron, expressed gratitude for Trump's backing and doubled down on promises of economic 'reform'—a familiar conservative code for deregulation and cuts to essential services.
While the endorsement may energize the Republican base, it is likely to alienate the vast majority of Californians, who have repeatedly rejected Trump’s brand of divisive politics. Democrats are rightly concerned that the crowded field and the state’s primary system could result in two Republicans advancing, potentially disenfranchising millions of Democratic voters.
It is worth noting that Republicans have not won a statewide election in California in two decades, and Democratic voters outnumber Republicans nearly two-to-one—making Trump’s intervention a desperate attempt to claw back relevance in a state that has long rejected his agenda.