President Donald Trump endorsed Steve Hilton, a former top adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, for California governor, injecting fresh momentum into an already unpredictable race in the nation’s most populous Democratic stronghold.

Former Cameron Strategist Enters California Politics

Hilton served as Cameron’s chief strategist from 2010 to 2012 before relocating to California as a Stanford University visiting scholar. The British political operative turned Fox News commentator now lives in California and applied for American citizenship in 2019. He’s running on a platform focused on slashing taxes, reducing state spending, and lowering housing costs for families. Republicans view this race as a rare opportunity to capture the governor’s mansion due to a fractured Democratic field competing under California’s jungle primary system, where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party affiliation.

Trump’s Double-Edged Endorsement

Trump declared on Truth Social that Hilton would make a great governor, slamming Democrats for their record in California and claiming people are fleeing the state. While Hilton posted he was deeply honored by the endorsement, the president’s backing could prove problematic if Hilton faces a Democrat in November’s general election in the liberal-leaning state. The endorsement may also squeeze out the other Republican candidate, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, potentially opening the door for Democrats to secure both top primary spots. Republicans haven’t won a statewide California election in two decades, making this race an uphill battle despite Democratic infighting.

Democrats Scramble as Poll Shows GOP Lead

A March University of California Berkeley poll rattled the political establishment by suggesting Hilton and Bianco were ahead of Democratic contenders. The survey showed Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer with the most support among eight Democratic candidates. Alarmed by the results, top state party officials called for some Democratic candidates to drop out to consolidate support. Ten total candidates are competing in the June 2 primary, with the top two finishers advancing to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

What This Means

California’s unusual primary system creates both opportunity and risk for Republicans. While a divided Democratic field could allow two Republicans to advance, Trump’s polarizing endorsement might energize Democratic turnout in November. Hilton’s transformation from British political strategist to potential California governor represents an unconventional path to power in American politics. The race will test whether Republican messaging on taxes, spending, and cost of living can overcome California’s strong Democratic lean and Trump’s unpopularity in the state.