Trump Backs Hilton for California Governor

0:00It's April 6th. This is Global News Today, powered by AI, your world, in real time. I'm Cory with the story. President Donald Trump just threw his weight behind Steve Hilton for California Governor, calling him a game changer in this wild race. Hilton, a former top-aid to British Prime Minister David Cameron and Xbox News host, now lives in the Golden State and promises lower taxes, slimmer budgets, and cheaper housing. With the June 2nd primary using a top-two system, regardless of party, anything could happen in this Democratic stronghold. Republicans haven't snagged a statewide win here in 20 years, but Hilton's one of 10 candidates shaking things up. Trump blasted Democrats for botching the state, saying folks are bolting left and right. Hilton's already a visiting scholar at Stanford and applying for citizenship back in 2019. Hilton lit up on X, saying he's deeply honored by the nod. But in liberal California, Trump's stamp might scare off moderates, come November if he advances. Meanwhile, it could sideline the other big Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

1:05A fresh March poll from Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies flipped the script, putting Hilton and Bianco ahead of the Democratic pack. That spooked dem leaders who urged some of their eight candidates, like Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, and Tom Steyer, to bow out and consolidate. His jungle primary's got everyone guessing, but Trump's move highlights how a splintered field might crack open the door for a Republican upset. Keep watching as Volterall in.