‘It’s disappointing’ Locals react to President Trump’s endorsement of Steve Hilton for CA governor

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - President Donald Trump has endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton for California governor. He wrote in a post on Truth Social, “I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell."

Fellow republican candidate, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, has been a vocal supporter for President Trump, endorsing his run for president back in 2024.

Check Out: Bianco speaks on Trump endorsing Hilton for California governor

Local republicans with the East Valley Women Republican Patriots say they remain steadfast behind Bianco despite President Trump's endorsement for Hilton.

“It's disappointing, obviously, because we believe that Chad is far, far superior as a candidate," says Sandra Schulz, vice president for the East Valley Women Republican Patriots.

Schulz says she thinks Bianco has the potential to create a better California. "The policies of Newsom and the Democrats are destroying the state. They're driving people away from the state. And if we want California to ever recover, that has to stop. And only a Republican would have a chance of stopping it," she says.

However, local democrats feel very differently about Bianco.

"The truth of the matter is he does not represent Riverside County. He represents a very minority point of view. And that would be the Christian nationalist ideology. And that's a problem for people in Riverside County and most of California," says Joy Silver, chair of the Riverside County Democratic Party.

She says she found the news of Trumps endorsement for Hilton "exciting."

"Part of the strategy of the Democratic Party always sits in voter turnout. And this really gives Democrats a united reason for turning out to vote," Silver says. She believes Republicans who are disaffected by President Trump's endorsement may vote Democrat or won't vote at all.

The last day to register to vote for the June 2nd primary is May 18th, for more information, visit www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration