LOS ANGELES (AP) – Democrat Gavin Newsom won Tuesday’s primary in the race for California governor and Republican John Cox finished in a strong second place, ensuring Republicans won’t be shut out of the race to replace retiring Gov. Jerry Brown.
With a major boost from President Donald Trump’s endorsement, Cox consolidated Republicans and edged past Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa, an early favorite to advance.
Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at his gubernatorial campaign’s primary night watch party in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)But Cox faces long odds in deeply liberal California, where Republicans are increasingly marginalized in state politics.
The race is one of hundreds of contests across the state that could solidify Democratic dominance and reshape the fight for control of the U.S. Congress.
Newsom, the former San Francisco mayor, was the first candidate to announce a bid for governor more than three years ago and was strongly favored for the top slot. He leaned heavily on his decision in 2004 to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in San Francisco, touching off years of debate over gay marriage in California and around the country.