In a significant political development, former British government aide and current Fox News host Steve Hilton has received a crucial endorsement from US President Donald Trump for the upcoming California governor’s race.

Hilton, holding dual citizenship, previously served as the director of strategy for former British Prime Minister David Cameron. He was a key adviser to Cameron until he departed Downing Street in 2012 and subsequently relocated to California.

Expressing his support on Truth Social, Trump stated, “I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. With federal help and a great governor like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT.”

California’s election rules dictate that the top two candidates in the June 2 open primary will progress to the November election, irrespective of their party affiliation.

Current polling indicates a tight race, with Republican contenders Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco competing closely against three Democrats: US Representative Eric Swalwell, former US Representative Katie Porter, and billionaire activist Tom Steyer.

While both Hilton and Bianco have publicly backed Trump, their campaigns are primarily concentrating on state-centric issues, including crime rates and high taxation.

Democrat Gavin Newsom, who has been the governor of California since 2019, is not permitted to run ⁠for ​a third term.

Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was ​the last Republican to serve as California’s governor from 2003 to 2011.