Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt need Latinos, not Trump

Key Points:

• Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt are leading conservative candidates in California’s upcoming primary elections for governor and Los Angeles mayor, respectively, despite running in predominantly Democratic areas where most voters, especially Latinos, strongly dislike former President Trump.
• Both candidates have sought or received Trump’s endorsement, with Hilton openly embracing it and Pratt benefiting from Trump’s praise, even though Latino voters—who constitute a significant and pivotal voting bloc—have shown declining support for Trump due to his immigration policies, economic stance, and foreign conflicts.
• Latino voters in California have recently shifted somewhat rightward, showing dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership, but this has not translated into strong support for Trump, whose approval among Latinos is at historic lows; Hilton and Pratt’s alignment with Trump risks alienating these voters.
• Hilton promotes a “Califordable” economic agenda and legal immigration stance but faces criticism for echoing divisive Republican rhetoric reminiscent of past anti-immigrant measures, while Pratt’s outreach is seen as superficial cultural pandering that ignores the impact of federal immigration enforcement on Latino communities.
• Analysts note that while Trump’s endorsement may help consolidate conservative voters and secure primary victories, it complicates broader appeal in general elections, and Latino voters remain pragmatic, responding more to local issues and candidate engagement than to national partisan identities or Trump’s influence.