President Donald Trump’s endorsement of former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the California governor’s race isn’t exactly high praise — according to one Dem rival.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan ridiculed Trump’s “COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT” of Hilton on X, saying he’s running for governor to “do the opposite” if elected.
“By endorsing Steve Hilton, Trump is telling Californians exactly what a Hilton governorship would look like: higher costs, a wrecked economy, and a Sacramento that does Trump’s bidding, opens the door to ICE, and attacks our communities instead of defending them,” Mahan wrote.
“I’m running to do the opposite, to lower costs, invest in California’s future, and stand up to Washington when it comes after us. The choice could not be more clear.”
Hilton has been gaining in the polls, consistently ranking at the top of statewide surveys on the fractured governor’s race — which has nine Dems competing against two Republicans, Hilton and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, raising fears of a Democratic lockout. Trump said Sunday he’s “known and respected Steve Hilton” for years, calling him a “truly fine man” who would clean up California.
“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 posted on Truth Social.
Trump is unpopular in California, with two-thirds of voters disapproving of his immigration policies in a Los Angeles Times poll this month. He won 38% of votes in California in the 2024 presidential election.
A staunch critic of Gov. Gavin Newsom, Hilton has claimed he’ll slash gas taxes, cut red tape in housing production, and launch a DOGE-esque program to root out waste, fraud and abuse in California government.
Mahan has racked up donations and support from Silicon Valley heavyweights but struggled to crack 5% in statewide polls as Dem voters flock to East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell, billionaire activist Tom Steyer and former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter.
The San Jose mayor’s campaign suffered a blow last week when top campaign aide Eric Jaye quit, citing a “difference of opinion about strategy.”
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