Hilton Dismisses Trump Factor in California Governor Race
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- Steve Hilton, the Trump-endorsed Republican running for California governor, dismissed Trump's 29% approval rating in the state as irrelevant to the race, telling "The Hill Sunday" the contest is "about the future of California."
- Hilton blamed 16 years of one-party Democratic rule for California's poverty, unemployment, and high cost of living — issues he said have "nothing to do" with Trump.
- An Emerson College poll found Hilton leading the gubernatorial field at 17%, ahead of Chad Bianco (14%), Tom Steyer (14%), Katie Porter (10%), and Xavier Becerra (10%).
- A PPIC survey from May 2025 found just 29% of California adults approve of Trump, including only 6% of Democrats and 31% of independents.
- Hilton dismissed the possibility that two Republicans could advance from the June 2 primary, warning that government unions and billionaire Tom Steyer would spend to ensure a Democrat makes the top two.
- Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct; California hasn't had a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in January 2011.
Why it matters: With only 29% approval statewide and just 6% among California Democrats, Trump is a drag on down-ballot Republicans in deep-blue California — yet the GOP-endorsed candidate is currently leading the governor's primary at 17%. The June 2 top-two primary is the structural test: if two Democrats advance, a Republican governor remains mathematically possible but politically out of reach.
