Los angeles: US President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Republican Steve Hilton for the position of California governor, aiming to take over from the current Democrat governor, Gavin Newsom. Trump made this announcement on his Truth Social platform, expressing his long-standing respect for Hilton.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump highlighted Hilton's potential to reverse what he described as California's decline under Newsom's leadership. Trump criticized current state issues under Newsom, including population decline, rising crime rates, and high taxes, asserting that Hilton could bring about positive change for the state. Trump assured his support by promising federal assistance to Hilton if he becomes governor, emphasizing that Hilton would not disappoint the people of California.

The upcoming gubernatorial election in California is slated for November 3, 2026, with a nonpartisan top-two primary set for June 2, 2026. Notably, Newsom will be unable to run for another term due to term limits, positioning Hilton as a potential successor with Trump's endorsement backing his campaign.