Trump endorses hilton in california governor's race, complicating republican strategy

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Steve Hilton in the California governor's race, a move that could dash Republican hopes of locking Democrats out of the November runoff.

Trump's support complicates gop strategy

Trump announced his backing on Monday on Truth Social, writing that Hilton “has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT” and pledging federal support for his candidacy. “Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so,” he wrote.

Hilton, a dual British-American citizen who served as director of strategy to former prime minister David Cameron before moving to California, later became a Fox News host before launching his campaign for governor. The endorsement complicates a delicate Republican strategy built around the state's jungle primary system, in which the top two finishers on 3 June advance to November regardless of party.

With Hilton and his main Republican rival, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, running neck and neck with three leading Democrats – Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and billionaire activist Tom Steyer – Republicans had hoped the two conservatives could split the vote evenly enough to squeeze both into the runoff.

Trump's endorsement, however, frees up tens of millions of dollars for Democratic groups that had been preparing to spend heavily to boost one Republican candidate, a tried-and-true strategic move Democrats have deployed in previous cycles to avoid a general election shutout.