Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for governor, gained attention from influential figures just hours before the polls closed on Tuesday night in California’s primary election.
After the results come in, Hilton hopes to be among the top two candidates in a tight race against Democrats Xavier Becerra, a former Health and Human Services Secretary, and billionaire Tom Steyer, advancing him to the November general election. Current polls indicate a close competition, with other contenders lagging behind.
President Donald Trump, who endorsed Hilton earlier in April, offered his support as California voters prepared to cast their ballots. Trump encouraged them to “vote for Governor Steve Hilton today” on Truth Social.
The former president assured that California’s relationship with the White House could improve significantly under Hilton’s governance, contrasting sharply with the current Democratic leadership of Gavin Newsom.
Trump remarked, “He will collaborate with me and the federal government. Funds will flow because I trust him (but no one else!).” He added, “We’re making California great again. Steve Hilton will never let you down.”
California has had its share of conflicts with the Trump administration, notably with federal funds being withheld for various reasons, including $1.3 billion in Medicaid funding frozen due to concerns over fraud with state hospice agencies.
When he first expressed his backing for Hilton, Trump referred to him as “a really great person” capable of correcting California’s challenging trajectory under the current leadership, which he criticized as “Newscam.”
Vice President J.D. Vance also extended support to Hilton, sending a message at 8:13 a.m. wishing him “good luck.”
Vance described Hilton as “a good man” and urged voters to back him, underscoring the need for improved political leadership in the state.
This remark seemed to critique the ongoing dominance of the Democratic Party, as Republicans haven’t secured a statewide election win since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s re-election in 2006.
As voters prepared to head to the polls, Hilton was keen on reinforcing the Republican base, using Trump’s endorsement to rally support among Republican voters.
Hilton targeted rival Republican candidate Chad Bianco, who, despite low poll numbers, has yet to withdraw from the race, remaining a point of contention in Hilton’s campaign.
Recent polls indicated that Becerra and Steyer might be the front-runners, potentially sidelining Republicans from the general election—a scenario Hilton described as catastrophic for the party.
“This is a breaking glass moment for the Republican Party,” Hilton stated recently. “Republicans must unite now to ensure Californians have real options for change come November.”
