US President Donald Trump has endorsed Steve Hilton for California governor, giving the Republican candidate a big boost in the competitive race to replace Gavin Newsom. The endorsement is expected to solidify GOP support and strengthen Hilton’s position in California’s unique first-two primary election system, where candidates from all parties compete on the same ballot.
Trump has thrown his weight behind Steve Hilton in the race to become California’s next governor, calling him a “really good man” and giving him his “total and complete support.”
wrote on Truth Social: “I have known and respected Steve Hilton who is running for governor of California for many years. He is a truly great man who has watched this once great state go to hell. Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely terrible job. People are fleeing, crime is rising and taxes are the highest of any state in the country and maybe that will change, Steve will turn around before the world turns around. With federal help and a great governor like Steve Hilton, may Steve Hilton be better than ever! He will be a GREAT Governor and he will NEVER DISAPPOINT YOU!!!
Who is Steve Hilton?
Steve Hilton was born on 25 August 1969 in London to Hungarian refugee parents who fled the aftermath of the 1956 uprising. His early life was marked by financial difficulties following his parents’ separation, with Hilton raised primarily by his mother in modest circumstances.
Despite these problems, he won a scholarship to attend Christ’s Hospital School and later studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University – an academic track that produced several prominent political figures.
The rise of British politics
Hilton began his career at the headquarters of the British Conservative Party, where he developed relationships with key figures including David Cameron. He quickly gained a reputation as a creative and unconventional strategist.
During the 1990s he played a role in shaping the campaign news and later became one of Cameron’s closest advisers. Between 2010 and 2012, Hilton served as Director of Strategy at Downing Street, helping to create policy and political messages during Cameron’s tenure as Prime Minister.
A move to the United States and references to Silicon Valley
In 2012, Hilton moved to California with his wife Rachel Whetstone, a senior communications executive who has held roles at major tech firms including Google, Uber and Netflix.
Hilton immersed himself in Silicon Valley and co-founded the political crowdfunding platform Crowdpac. He has also held academic and research positions at Stanford University, including fellowships at the Hoover Institution and the Freeman Spogli Institute.
Media career and political commentary
Hilton rose to prominence in the US as a conservative commentator on Fox News, where he hosted The Next Revolution from 2017 to 2023. The show focused on political reform, economic policy and anti-establishment themes.
He emerged as a strong supporter of Trump-era politics, endorsing Trump in the 2016 election.
California gubernatorial bid in 2026
Hilton has officially entered the 2026 California gubernatorial race as the Republican candidate. His campaign focused on issues like crime, high taxes and the cost of living — key concerns among voters unhappy with the state’s current trajectory.
He is one of the leading Republican contenders alongside Chad Bianco. Polls suggest a competitive race, with Hilton and Bianco running against a fractured Democratic field that includes Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter and Tom Steyer.
