If the GOP candidates do that, they would advance to a head-to-head contest in November’s general election, and one would become the state’s first Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger. Still, the prospect of a Republican governing California, a stronghold of the anti-MAGA movement, has captivated political experts and spectators alike. “With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!” Trump wrote. The Republican candidates for California governor said they would welcome similar orders by the Trump administration. California President Trump endorses Steve Hilton in the California governor’s race President Trump endorses conservative commentator Steve Hilton in the California gubernatorial contest.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 09, 2026 11:31 UTC