Summary
President Donald Trump endorsed Steve Hilton for the California governor race. Recent polls suggest Hilton, a Republican, leads slightly in a mainly Democratic state. California's "jungle primary" system could impact the outcome by allowing two Republicans to advance if Democratic votes split among many candidates.
Key Facts
- Steve Hilton, backed by President Trump, is running for California governor.
- California will not have Gavin Newsom as a candidate due to term limits.
- The state uses a "jungle primary" system where the top two vote-getters move to the general election, regardless of party.
- Hilton received 17% support in a University of California, Berkeley poll.
- Democratic candidates Eric Swalwell and Katie Porter received 13% each in the same poll.
- In another poll from Echelon Insights, Hilton led with 20% support.
- An Emerson College poll showed Democrat Eric Swalwell leading with 17%.
- Recent trends in California usually favor Democrats winning elections.
