Trump Backs Right-Wing Media Ally Steve Hilton in California Governor's Race
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
In a move that could further polarize California politics, former President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Steve Hilton, a Fox News alumnus, for governor. The endorsement underscores the GOP's ongoing embrace of divisive rhetoric and corporate interests.
Former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and political commentator, in the California governor's race—potentially injecting more right-wing extremism into the state's politics. Trump, using his Truth Social platform, praised Hilton as 'a truly fine man' and repeated his tired attacks on California, claiming the state 'has gone to hell' due to high taxes, ignoring the real issues of inequality and underfunded public services.
Hilton, who is closely tied to conservative media and corporate power, faces opposition from another Republican, Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff. Bianco, seeking to distance himself from Trump's toxic brand, criticized the endorsement and attempted to present himself as independent, though his record suggests otherwise.
California's 'top two' primary system, which allows the two highest vote-getters to advance regardless of party, offers some hope for progressive voices to break through the right-wing noise. The field remains competitive, with Democrats like Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, and Tom Steyer—candidates who have fought for working families—vying for the nomination.
Hilton's campaign, predictably, celebrated Trump's backing, demonstrating their alignment with the MAGA agenda. Bianco responded by making vague promises to serve all Californians, but failed to address the real needs of marginalized communities.
Political analysts warn that Trump's endorsement could further radicalize the Republican base while alienating the majority of Californians who reject far-right politics. Yet, the risk remains that such endorsements normalize reactionary figures in mainstream discourse.
Hilton, 56, who once served as director of strategy for the austerity-driven British Prime Minister David Cameron and hosted 'The Next Revolution' on Fox News, only became a U.S. citizen in 2021—raising questions about his true commitment to California's diverse communities.
The California gubernatorial primary is set for June 2, with the general election in November, offering voters a chance to reject Trumpism and support real progress.