Daijiworld Media Network - California
California, Apr 6: US President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed former British government aide and Fox News host Steve Hilton in the upcoming California governor’s race.
Hilton, who holds dual nationality, earlier served as director of strategy to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and was among his closest advisers before leaving Downing Street in 2012 and relocating to California.
Announcing his support on Truth Social, Trump said he has known Hilton for many years and described him as capable of transforming the state. “With Federal help, and a great governor like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before. Steve Hilton has my complete and total endorsement,” Trump stated.
As per California election rules, the top two candidates in the June 2 open primary will advance to the November election, irrespective of party affiliation.
Opinion polls indicate a close contest among Republican candidates Hilton and Chad Bianco, alongside Democratic contenders including US Representative Eric Swalwell, former US Representative Katie Porter and billionaire activist Tom Steyer.
Both Hilton and Bianco have expressed support for Trump, while focusing their campaigns on state-level issues such as crime and high taxes.
Incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom, who has held office since 2019, is not eligible to seek a third term.
Notably, actor-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger was the last Republican to serve as California governor from 2003 to 2011.