Former President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, in California's gubernatorial race in a post on his Truth Social platform.

"I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man," Trump wrote in his endorsement statement. The former president added that Hilton "can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so."

The endorsement comes ahead of California's June primary election, which operates under a "top-two" system where the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. This system means candidates from the same party can face off in the general election.

Hilton previously worked as a host on Fox News and is seeking the Republican nomination in what is expected to be a crowded primary field. California currently has a Democratic governor, and the state has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011.

Trump's endorsement could influence the Republican primary race in the nation's most populous state, though California remains heavily Democratic in statewide elections. The former president has been active in endorsing candidates across the country as he prepares for his own 2024 presidential campaign.