Posted on 04/06/2026 2:53:44 PM PDT by Twotone
With California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) nearing the end of his term, numerous candidates have stepped up to replace him in the upcoming gubernatorial primary race on June 2.
Sixty-one individuals appear on the official certified list of candidates competing for California's top office. While there is currently no clear front-runner, several notable candidates have emerged. These include former Rep. Katie Porter (D), Rep. Eric Swalwell (D), climate advocate and businessman Tom Steyer (D), Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (R), and Fox News host and small-business owner Steve Hilton (R).
President Donald Trump released a post on social media on Sunday attempting to tip the scales in favor of his preferred candidate in the crowded race.
"I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years," Trump wrote. "He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell."
Trump gave the current governor the nickname "Newscum" and criticized him and other Democrats for doing "an absolutely horrendous job."
"People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World," Trump continued. "Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!"
Trump declared that Hilton has his "COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT" in the upcoming primary.
"He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!" Trump added.
Hilton's campaign thanked the president for his endorsement.
"With President Trump's full backing and federal support, we are going to take California back and make it better than ever before!" the campaign wrote. "This is the moment California has been waiting for!"
Newsom has previously stated that he has "some concern" about how crowded the race has become. He told CBS News in early March that he was not yet ready to endorse any of the candidates.
"I don't have an endorsement," he stated. "There might be a moment [for that] in the next few months."
Several recent polls show Hilton with a narrow lead, while other surveys favor Bianco, Swalwell, or Porter. The top two finishers in the primary, regardless of party affiliation, will appear on the ballot in November.
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61 candidates?
What a clown show.
If any Democrat is on the November ballot, he/she/it wins easily.
The only way to avoid that scenario is for the 2 Republicans to split the GOP vote almost evenly in the June primary so that they somehow BOTH finish ahead of any Democrat.
Now the probability of that happening was remote at best, and has now been reduced to zero percent.
What a genius move.
What a crappy headline. He is not doing anything but endorsing who he thinks will make the best Governor. This reporterette chooses to make like he is doing something dishonest by ‘tipping’ the scales.
Not a good idea to endorse one republican over the other in an election where the first two go to the final.
You don’t want end up with one republican and one democrat in the general. The Democrat, whoever he is, will run away with it.
How the heck is making an endorsement “putting one’s thumb on the scale”? Is this idiot implying that Trump is trying to cheat in the election?

Here are the gubernatorial candidates arriving at the registration office to apply for the job.
This public endorsement may not be a good thing - if this consolidates GOP support around one candidate then the only scenario for a GOP victory (both top finishers being GOP candidates) would be gone.
I’m not to excited with Trump’s choice. While Hilton may be a fine man, he was had no experience in any political office in the United States. Plus , the fact that he is a ‘former’ Englishman who became a naturalized citizen (2023), his historical background is that is originally from England. His parents were from Hungary. His opponent Sheriff Chad Bianco has a great deal of experience and connections. Bianco is also a strong supporter for the 2 Amendment. Trump indicates that he will provide Hilton with support and guidance if he becomes the governor for California. Doubtless we will need a great deal of it.
Michael Gates, former attorney for Huntington Beach, CA. is running for Attorney General doubtless he will be great support for either Hilton or Bianco, whomever wins. It would be well if a selection would be made and one candaite drop out so that the vote not be split.
Agreed. I like Sheriff Chad Bianco more than any of the others.
I’m glad he endorsed Hilton, I really like him and I hope he wins.
“Agreed. I like Sheriff Chad Bianco more than any of the others.”
He is who we are voting for.
Good choice. I think this is one race Trump shouldn’t have made ANY endorsements. It has the potential to really mess things up for the candidate who could best fill that office. It’s happened before.
Trump’s approval rating in California today is 28%, the same as it is in Washington.
California has a non-partisan jungle primary. The top two vote getters advance to the general election.
So the endorsement won’t really matter if the top two contenders are both Republicans as it is now.
“he was had no experience in any political office in the United States.”
Neither did Trump!
“California has a non-partisan jungle primary. The top two vote getters advance to the general election.”
No kidding.
“So the endorsement won’t really matter if the top two contenders are both Republicans as it is now.”
Actually, that’s exactly why it DOES matter. A lot.
If not for the jungle primary, there would be 1 Dem and 1 Pubbie running against each other in November like in other states which have partisan primaries. In THAT case a primary endorsement might be worth something, or at least not be an idiotic move like this one.
But because of the jungle primary there WAS a tiny amount of hope that there would be 2 Republicans facing off in November. Now that definitely won’t happen.
ANY Democrat easily wins against any Republican in a 1-on-1 battle in the Land Of Fruits And Nuts. And now a 1-on-1 battle is assured. It’s not even really a battle, just a slaughter.
I believe that Trump had no experience in any political office in the United States when he took office in his first term.
Bad strategy. Dividing the republican ticket ensures a democrat wins.
This is a massive mistake. We have a chance for GOP to steal the election as GOP had the top 2 spots. If 2 Dems were ahead then this might make sense. But very untimely given current polls. Donald is ensuring a rat for another 4 years.
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