Full Breakdown
Trump Claims Phone Call to California U.S. Attorney Secured Republican Gubernatorial Runoff
6/26/2026, 10:43:45 PM
Trump’s Phone-Call Claim Tied to Steve Hilton’s Primary Win
At a rally in Macungie, Pennsylvania, on June 23 2026, former President Donald Trump said he called a “very powerful, very good U.S. attorney in California” and asked the official to examine the June 2 primary. He claimed the call preceded Hilton’s victory by roughly an hour and warned that without his intervention the Republican candidate would have been left watching the election from home.
Context: California Gubernatorial Primary
The June 2 primary determined the Democratic front-runner, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, and the Republican second-place finisher, former Fox News host Steve Hilton. California’s extensive mail-ballot system delayed final certification by several days, after which Hilton secured the runoff spot.
Key Numbers and Structural Details
California is divided into four federal districts, each with its own U.S. attorney; no single attorney oversees the entire state. No public evidence of fraud in the primary has emerged. Hilton’s advancement placed him against Becerra in the November general election.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump summarized his action as a request for a “very powerful, very good U.S. attorney” to investigate alleged theft of the election and claimed the call directly produced Hilton’s win. Essayli’s June 5 announcement confirmed his office was examining election-related matters, though no details were released. All four California U.S. attorney offices declined comment when approached.
Criticism and Opposition
Democratic officials dismissed the claim as unfounded. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office rejected the allegation, calling it false. Steve Hilton said his campaign had found no evidence that would justify an intervention. Media outlets described the narrative as part of a broader pattern of baseless election-fraud allegations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Trump’s assertion links his phone call to Hilton’s runoff placement, yet no evidence shows a causal connection. He did not specify which of the four California U.S. attorneys he contacted. Neither the attorney’s office nor the Department of Justice provided information on any investigative outcome.
Verbatim Quotes
“I called up the very powerful, very good U.S. attorney in California. I said, ‘Do me a favor. Take a look,’” — Donald Trump, former President
“About an hour after the call, ladies and gentleman, Mr. Hilton has won,” — Donald Trump, former President
“We’ve seen nothing that would give us cause to intervene in that way,” — Steve Hilton, Republican gubernatorial candidate
“multiple election fraud investigations.” — Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Central District of California
“False!” — Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
What’s Next
Hilton will face Becerra in the November general election. Ongoing scrutiny of the DOJ’s involvement may prompt congressional or watchdog investigations into potential politicization of federal investigations.
