Trump endorses ex-UK political aide Steve Hilton for California governor

Trump Backs Steve Hilton in California Governor Race

California’s gubernatorial race took an unexpected turn as former British Prime Minister David Cameron’s ex-adviser, Steve Hilton, received an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump. This move has introduced new dynamics into a contest where Democrats typically hold strong sway.

Trump’s support for Hilton, a Republican candidate, was highlighted in a recent Truth Social post. He claimed that the former aide would “be a great governor” and criticized Democrats for their “absolutely horrendous job” in managing the state. Trump also noted that “people are fleeing” California due to its current political climate.

“Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job in California. People are fleeing the state.”

Hilton, now a resident of California, previously served as a senior strategist for Cameron between 2010 and 2012. However, he later diverged from the Conservative leader’s policies, particularly on immigration, and became associated with conservative media outlets like Fox News. His campaign for governor centres on reducing state spending, lowering taxes, and easing the financial burden on families through measures targeting housing costs.

The June 2 primary will determine the top two candidates, regardless of party, who will then face off in the November general election. This format, known as the “jungle primary” system, has historically benefited Democrats, but the race has seen a split in the Democratic field, offering Republicans a potential opening.

Despite Trump’s endorsement, the support could complicate Hilton’s path if he faces a Democratic opponent in November. Meanwhile, the University of California, Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies conducted a March poll that surprised political observers, showing Hilton and another Republican, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, ahead of key Democratic contenders. This result prompted state Democrats to pressure some candidates to exit the race, aiming to consolidate their vote share.

Among the eight Democrats, Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer were identified as the most popular. Hilton’s ties to the UK, including his role as a visiting scholar at Stanford University from 2012 and his application for U.S. citizenship in 2019, add an international dimension to his campaign, though his focus remains on domestic issues.