Steve Hilton, the Republican frontrunner in the race for California’s governor, expressed a blend of optimism and caution on Monday as he prepared for the primary election the following day. Speaking with The California Post, Hilton emphasized his determination and urged voters not to miss this critical opportunity for change in the state.
“This is a pivotal moment for California,” Hilton stated. “We can’t let this chance for transformation pass us by.” He highlighted the possibility of an all-Democrat runoff and encouraged those who had already cast their votes to motivate others to head to the polls.
In a significant development, former President Donald Trump publicly backed Hilton on Monday night, offering his “complete and total endorsement.” Trump praised Hilton as someone he has known and respected over the years.
“Steve is an exceptional individual,” Trump commented on Truth Social. “He has witnessed the decline of this once-great state. Under Gavin Newsom and the Democrats, conditions have deteriorated significantly. People are leaving, crime rates are climbing, and the state’s taxes are among the highest globally.”
“He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great state has gone to hell,” the president posted on Truth Social.
“Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and taxes are the highest of any state in the country, maybe the world.
“Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!
“With our Administration, working alongside a Great Governor like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before.
“He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!”
Hilton, who also served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, is trying to consolidate Republican and independent support in a crowded primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
He vowed to investigate Gavin Newsom for fraud as his first act as California governor if he wins the election on Monday.
Under California’s top-two primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to the November general election.
Hilton said his campaign will hold an event Tuesday in Huntington Beach with supporters as he makes a final push in the race.
Here is the latest on the 2026 California governors race
“We’ve got to get this state back on track, and the only chance to do that is getting me into the top two,” Hilton said.
He warned that if two Democrats advance in the primary, California voters would be left with “more of the same — or even worse.”
A California Post-McLaughlin Associates poll found last week that Hilton was in a dead heat with progressive billionaire Tom Steyer at 25% support among likely primary voters. Democrat Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. health secretary and California attorney general, finished in third at 19%.
Pollster Jim McLaughlin said Hilton has been boosted by Republicans and independents, while Steyer and Becerra are battling for Democratic voters.
“Republicans and independents have put Steve Hilton among the leaders, but the real battle is among Steyer and Becerra for Democratic votes,” McLaughlin said.
“The lack of Democratic support for Hilton has him frozen. Democrats make up about half the electorate.”
Newsom, who terms out of office in January, has not endorsed a candidate in the race.
Hilton said the stakes are clear for voters unhappy with California’s cost of living, homelessness, crime and “getting rid of the ridiculous bloat and bureaucracy in California.”
He said there is “a lot of energy” around his campaign and that supporters are excited heading into Election Day.
“We have to fight right up to the end,” Hilton said.
