Trump Risks Helping Democrats by Backing California Republican

President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Steve Hilton to be the next governor of California, anointing one of two GOP hopefuls while also potentially giving a boost to Democrats because of the way the state’s primary system works.

Trump is backing Hilton to become the first Republican to win the governor’s mansion since Arnold Schwarzenegger two decades ago, a possibility that’s been enhanced by a splintered field among Democrats. The president’s endorsement also deals a blow to another Republican, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who has been running second to Hilton in some recent polls.

Steve Hilton

Photographer: David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News/Getty Images

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