Palm Springs, CA
California’s 2026 race for governor took a sharp political turn this week after former President Donald Trump declined to endorse Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, instead signaling support for fellow Republican Steve Hilton.
Bianco, who has built his campaign around public safety, immigration enforcement, and conservative leadership, had been widely viewed as a natural ally of Trump within California’s Republican field. His strong backing among conservative voters and his high-profile role as sheriff in Riverside County positioned him as a leading candidate for a potential endorsement.
Trump’s decision to withhold support — and instead align with Hilton — has reshaped the dynamics of the race, raising questions about Bianco’s path forward in an already crowded and competitive field.
Political analysts note that Trump’s endorsements continue to carry weight among Republican voters, even in California’s top-two primary system, where all candidates appear on the same ballot and only the top two advance to the general election. Without that backing, Bianco may face increased pressure to consolidate conservative support as Hilton gains visibility and momentum.
The development comes as Bianco has also drawn national attention following his seizure of more than 650,000 ballots as part of an investigation into potential election irregularities. The move has faced criticism and raised eyebrows among election officials and political observers, while Bianco has defended the action as part of his law enforcement responsibilities.
Despite the setback, in a video message addressing the Trump endorsement, Bianco’s campaign has indicated it will continue focusing on California-specific issues such as crime, homelessness, and the cost of living. Supporters argue that his law enforcement background and Inland Southern California base could still make him a strong contender, even without a high-profile endorsement.
Bianco with Supporters at Turning Point USA Event
On the Democratic side, the field is also shaping up to be competitive and potentially divided. Candidates including Eric Swalwell, Amy Porter, and Tom Steyer are among those expected to compete for voter support, each bringing different policy priorities and voter bases into the race.
With both parties facing crowded fields, California’s unique primary system could once again produce an unpredictable outcome. Trump’s decision to back Hilton over Bianco adds another layer of uncertainty, underscoring how national political influence continues to shape even state-level contests.