Trump declares Steve Hilton ‘coming in first’ as California Governor’s Primary remains undecided

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump congratulated Republican candidate Steve Hilton on Wednesday, June 3, for “coming in first” in California’s gubernatorial primary, even as the race remained uncalled and millions of ballots were still left to be counted.

Hilton held a narrow lead in the state’s open primary as vote counting continued. However, election analysts cautioned that significant numbers of ballots remained outstanding and that the final order of finish could still change the outcome. 

Trump declares victory as counting continues

Trump celebrated Hilton’s early lead while urging California voters to support him in the general election.

“Congratulations to Steve Hilton on coming in first last night, in the California Vote for Governor,” Trump wrote. “If Californians are smart, which I know they are, they will put Steve into the Governor’s Mansion, and watch their State get better at a rate that has probably never been seen before.”

The president added, “I know Steve. He is a hard-driving WINNER, and he will turn California around, quickly, and the Federal Government will be there, with him, to help!”

As of Wednesday night, June 3, however, the race has not been called by major election decision desks. Hilton is leading with roughly 27% of the vote, followed by Becerra at about 25% and Steyer at nearly 19%, according to the latest available results.

More than 40% of ballots remain uncounted, and election officials continue processing votes across the state. Decision Desk HQ analyst Geoffrey Skelley noted that California is expected to process more than 3 million additional votes in the coming days and weeks.

“Because many registered Democrats waited until the last minute to vote due to the volatile gubernatorial race, we expect the remaining votes to be somewhat more Democratic-leaning,” Skelley wrote. “That could enable Becerra to pass Hilton and perhaps allow Steyer to also catch the leading Republican.”

Steve Hilton projects confidence amid uncertain outcome

While Trump declared Hilton the primary leader, the Republican candidate struck a more measured tone as vote counting continued. “Stay tuned. Good things are coming. We are still leading. It’s looking good,” Hilton said.

Later, he thanked Trump for his support, writing, “Thank you, President Trump. I am fighting for each and every Californian to restore the California Dream. Change is coming.”

Hilton has campaigned on affordability, public safety, and economic issues, arguing that California has lost its way under Democratic governance. If he advances to November, he would face a difficult path in a state where Democrats hold a significant voter registration advantage and where no Republican has won the governor’s office since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011.

California’s gubernatorial primary is being closely watched because the state uses a nonpartisan “top-two” primary system. All candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same ballot, and the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the November general election.