San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan today took a sharp public swipe at Republican gubernatorial contender Steve Hilton, declaring that "Real leaders speak truth to power" and arguing that Hilton "speaks for Donald Trump." The jab cast Mahan's own bid as a contrast in judgment and tone as California barrels toward its June primary.
Mahan posted the message on X today, presenting himself as someone "running to work for Californians" rather than as a stand-in for national figures, as seen on X. His swipe tapped into coverage of a TV interview where Hilton repeatedly declined to say whether Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, a tense exchange documented by Mediaite.
Real leaders speak truth to power. Steve Hilton just speaks for Donald Trump. I’m running to work for Californians. That’s the difference. https://t.co/zvESbmtD95
— Mayor Matt Mahan (@MattMahanSJ) May 4, 2026
Hilton's TV Dodge And Trump's Endorsement
Hilton, a former Fox News host who launched his campaign last year, has quickly become a leading Republican contender and secured a high-profile endorsement from former President Donald Trump in April. That backing has shifted the dynamic on the GOP side of the race and ramped up scrutiny of Hilton's media appearances, as reported by the AP.
Mahan's Pitch To Statewide Voters
Mahan has cast himself as a results-focused city mayor looking to scale local fixes statewide, telling CNN that he aims to "deliver the kinds of results that we've delivered in San Jose." His campaign has rolled out television ads and is getting a boost from outside spending as his team works to grow his name recognition beyond the Bay Area.
With California's top-two primary set for June 2, the dustup highlights how state-level contests are increasingly pulling national flashpoints into local races. The California Secretary of State also lays out key dates for when ballots go out and when early voting begins.
Voters can expect more shots across the bow as both campaigns work to sharpen their contrasts before ballots are cast in June. Mahan's latest broadside at Hilton is one more sign that California's governor's race is being fought simultaneously on California streets and the national stage.
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