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3d ago

California GOP Deadlocks on Governor Endorsement After Hilton–Bianco Fight

The split leaves Republicans without an official pick ahead of the June 2 primary.

Supporters cheer for California governor candidate Steve Hilton at the state Republican Party Convention in San Diego on Saturday. 
Supporters of California governor candidates Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton rally at the California Republican Party Convention in San Diego on Saturday. The state party deadlocked on the endorsement Sunday. 
California gubernatorial candidates Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, background left, cross paths at the California Republican Party Convention in San Diego on April 10, 2026. 
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, center, poses with supporters at the California Republican Party Convention in San Diego on April 11, 2026.

Overview

  • Delegates at the California GOP convention, which ended Sunday in San Diego, failed to give either Steve Hilton or Chad Bianco the 60% needed for an endorsement out of 1,101 votes cast.
  • Trump’s social‑media endorsement of Hilton raised his profile but did not rally enough grassroots delegates, exposing a split between party leaders and activists.
  • Delegates withheld a governor endorsement yet backed Sonja Shaw, Stacy Korsgaden, Michael Gates, Jennifer Hawks, and Gloria Romero for other statewide offices.
  • A party endorsement would have appeared on official mailers to 5.8 million registered Republicans, a tool that can steer voters who rely on party cues.
  • Because California advances the top two finishers regardless of party, GOP infighting could dull a rare opening as Democrats divide their vote across several candidates.