California gubernatorial primary winner Democrat Gavin Newsom’s attempt to tie runner-up John Cox to President Trump may help the Republican to continue his surge.
Newsom was lauded by the Los Angeles Times for running a “brilliant campaign, aided by relative youth (50), good looks and charm” to win the California governor’s primary with 33 percent of the vote.
But the primary election genius was businessman and first-time candidate John Cox. With no name recognition, and having only started his campaigning last year, Cox spent only $4 million to spike from third place, barely registering in double digits in the polls, to make the run-off with 26 percent of the vote.
Cox picked up Donald Trump’s endorsement on May 18, when the president tweeted, “California finally deserves a great Governor, one who understands borders, crime and lowering taxes. John Cox is the man — he’ll be the best Governor you’ve ever had.”
With President Trump’s backing, Cox defeated heavily funded contender and Democrat former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who only received 13 percent of the primary vote. The upset was so unexpected that the Sacramento Bee asked, “Who is John Cox?”
KQED reported that Newsom beamed with pride after his victory, claiming the election will be a great opportunity to contrast Democrat and Republican visions. To adoring progressives in San Francisco, Newsom said he intended to paint Cox as a “foot soldier” in President Trump’s tax, immigration, and deregulation policies that amount to “war on California.”
The media has reported extensively on polling showing that California voters have overwhelming negative views of President Trump.
But the San Francisco Chronicle warned May 22 that “Trump’s Rising Popularity is Bad News for Dems in California,” noting that he had caused the predicted “Blue Wave” to fade
The Chronicle suggested that President Trump’s strong handling of the economy is the most important measure of job performance to voters.
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