Donald Trump endorses ex-David Cameron aide who clashed with former PM over Brexit with jibe at rival Gavin Newsom

George Bunn
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:01:40 +0000

Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Steve Hilton in the race to become California's next governor, announcing his backing via Truth Social on Monday morning.

The US President described Mr Hilton, who worked for David Cameron between 2010 and 2012, as a "truly fine man".

"I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years," Mr Trump wrote in his endorsement.

He added: "Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT...He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!"

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Mr Hilton, a former Fox News presenter who hosted The Next Revolution from 2017 to 2023, holds dual British and American citizenship.

Prior to his media career, the 56-year-old served as one of the most influential figures in British politics during the coalition era, having been cited as an inspiration for the character of Stuart Pearson in the cult BBC sitcom, The Thick of It.

He worked as Lord Cameron's director of strategy and ranked among the former Prime Minister's closest confidants in Downing Street.

Mr Hilton departed British politics in 2012 and subsequently made the transatlantic move to California, where he has resided ever since.

His time advising Cameron came before the Brexit referendum that would later divide the Conservative Party and ultimately contribute to the former Prime Minister's shock departure from No10 in 2016.

Mr Trump opted to endorse Mr Hilton over fellow Republican candidate Chad Bianco, the Sheriff of Riverside County, who has also expressed support for the US President during his campaign.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump launched a scathing attack on the current Democratic governor, accusing Gavin Newsom of presiding over a catastrophic decline in the state's fortunes.

"Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job," the President wrote, deploying his favoured derogatory nickname for the outgoing governor.

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Mr Trump pointed to soaring crime rates and what he described as the nation's highest tax burden as evidence of mismanagement under Democratic leadership.

"People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World," he added.

Governor Newsom, who has held the governorship since 2019, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term.

The last Republican to occupy the governor's mansion in Sacramento was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who served from 2003 until 2011.

The latest polling suggests Mr Hilton holds a slender advantage in what remains a tightly contested race.

A recent Berkeley IGS survey placed him one percentage point ahead of the field in California's open primary system.

Both Republican contenders face stiff competition from a trio of Democratic challengers vying for the top two spots that would secure passage to November's general election.

Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Representative Katie Porter and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer are all closely grouped with Mr Hilton and Mr Bianco in the polls.

California's unique electoral rules mean the two highest-polling candidates on June 2 will progress to the autumn contest, regardless of their party affiliation.

Both Mr Hilton and Mr Bianco have centred their campaigns on tackling crime and reducing the state's tax burden.