Calif. Gubernatorial Candidate Pledges Universal Health Care Coverage Push Following Primary Victory
Gavin Newsom, the Democratic lieutenant governor and a proponent of a single-payer health care system, won a spot in the general race for governor last night. He'll face Republican businessman John Cox in the fall.
The Associated Press:
Republican Advances In California Primary With Trump's Help
John Cox, a Republican business owner who has tried and failed for nearly two decades to win elected office, snagged a spot in the November runoff for California governor with the help of President Donald Trump, but that support could hurt him in the winner-take-all race with Democrat Gavin Newsom. Cox got about a quarter of the votes counted so far in Tuesday's election to easily outdistance former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for second to Newsom, who won by a comfortable margin. Cox had been struggling to break clear of fellow Republican Travis Allen until Trump tweeted his endorsement two weeks ago — 273 characters that rallied the president's fans but set up a hyper-partisan battle with Newsom. (6/6)
The New York Times:
Gavin Newsom And John Cox To Compete In California Election For Governor
“It looks like voters will have a real choice this November — between a governor who is going to stand up to Donald Trump and a foot soldier in his war on California,” Mr. Newsom told hundreds of supporters at a San Francisco nightclub, as he pledged to push for guaranteed health care for all and “a Marshall Plan for affordable housing.” Mr. Cox, speaking to friends and donors in San Diego, continually painted Mr. Newsom as “part of the status quo” and knocked the Democrat's attacks on Mr. Trump. (Nagourney and Burns, 6/6)
Los Angeles Times:
It's Newsom Vs. Cox In November As Villaraigosa Tumbles In Governor's Race
The results mark a stunning defeat for former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, representing the fall of a politician who embodied the growing power of the Latino electorate when he was elected mayor in 2005. Villaraigosa conceded late in the evening, urging those who voted for him to give their support to his opponent. “I’m asking you to get behind Gavin Newsom,” said Villaraigosa, surrounded by his family. “I’m asking you to stand up and pressure every one of us — Democrat and Republican alike — pressure every one of us to stand up for you, to fight for you, not just for ourselves, but for all of us for an America and a California where every one of us are growing together.” (Willon, Mehta, Mason and Cosgrove, 6/5)
Sacramento Bee:
Who Is John Cox? CA Governor Candidate Backed By Trump
This is already Cox's most successful campaign in two decades of trying to break into politics. He previously launched half a dozen failed bids for office in Illinois, where he grew up and began his career as an attorney. But he will face an uphill battle in the coming months against Newsom, who has vastly outraised Cox in liberal California. Last week, the Secretary of State reported that Republican registration has for the first time fallen behind the number of voters with no party preference. (Koseff, 6/6)
The Mercury News:
Who Won California Election For Senate, Plus Other Key Races
In the race for U.S. Senate, former state Senate president Kevin de León has pulled ahead of little-known Republican James P. Bradley for second place, based on election results as of Wednesday at 5:46 a.m. With 96.9 percent of California precincts reporting, it appears de León will be in the November runoff against U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who cruised through the primary with 44 percent of the vote. (Gomez, 6/6)
Meanwhile —
San Francisco Chronicle:
Judge Aaron Persky, Who Ruled In Sex Assault Case, Recalled In Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky was recalled from office by the voters Tuesday, two years after he set off national outrage by sentencing a Stanford athlete to six months in jail for sexually assaulting and attempting to rape an unconscious woman. With 43 percent of precincts reporting, 59 percent of the county’s voters favored recalling Persky while 41 percent opposed the recall. (Egelko, 6/5)
KCRA:
2018 Full Primary Election Results For California
As California votes in the June 5, 2018 Primary Election, get ongoing coverage and election vote results as returns come in from the polls. (6/5)