Overview
- Trump backed Hilton in a late Sunday Truth Social post that praised him and blasted Gov. Gavin Newsom’s record.
- Analysts say the nod is drawing Republican voters toward Hilton under California’s top-two system, which advances only the two highest vote-getters regardless of party.
- The shift likely weakens rival Republican Chad Bianco and lowers the chance of a two-Republican November matchup.
- Democratic strategists are reassessing spending plans because a single GOP frontrunner reduces the risk of a Democratic lockout.
- The June 2 open primary remains fluid, with a UC Berkeley IGS poll showing Hilton at 17% and Bianco at 16% as several Democrats cluster close behind and many voters remain undecided.