The chief executive of gay dating app Grindr, who has previously described himself as conservative, has announced his choice for California governor, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate running for governor in California, said Sunday that President Trump's low approval rating in the state will not affect the gubernatorial race outcome. Hilton argued that the election will focus on California's future rather than national political dynamics.

"This election is going to be about the future of California and the fact that we're desperate for change in California," Hilton stated, distancing his campaign from Trump's standing with California voters.

The comments come as multiple candidates position themselves in what is expected to be a competitive race for California's top executive office. Trump's approval ratings have historically been low in California, a reliably Democratic state in recent presidential elections.

Hilton's strategy appears aimed at appealing to California voters who may be dissatisfied with current state leadership while avoiding association with Trump's unpopularity in the state.