The Golden Race

FIVE CANDIDATES MAKE THEIR CASE TO LEAD CALIFORNIA

Californians will go to the polls on June 5 to vote for — among other things — candidates in the primary election for governor. The top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will take part in a runoff on Nov. 6.

Recent polls have shown that current Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is the frontrunner, with a close battle for second place heating up between Democratic former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Republican businessman John Cox, who recently was endorsed by President Donald Trump.

The Journal reached out to the top six candidates — four Democrats and two Republicans. All but Cox agreed to be interviewed. Cox’s spokesman, Matt Shupe, told the Journal that Cox “has been very busy, especially since he was endorsed by President Donald Trump.” Cox, 62, who lives in Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego County, was endorsed by the president on May 18. Travis Allen, John Chiang and Delaine Eastin spoke with the Journal by telephone, while Newsom and Villaraigosa responded to questions via email.

Eastin, the former state superintendent of public instruction, is the only woman running and has major education proposals. Republican candidate Allen wanted Journal readers to know about the anti-boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) legislation he sponsored in the state legislature, saying, “I wrote legislation to stop California from doing business with our strongest friend and ally in the Middle East, and I’ve been to Israel nine times.” Chiang pointed out that he is the only candidate who has a clear anti-sexual harassment and assault policy on his campaign website.

Click the candidate to read their interview:

Travis Allen
Age: 44
Party: Republican
Resides: Huntington Beach
History: Current 72nd District Assembly member
Website: jointravisallen.com

John Chiang
Age: 55
Party: Democratic
Resides: Torrance
History: Current state treasurer, former state controller
Website: johnchiang.com

Delaine Eastin
Age: 70
Party: Democratic
Resides: Davis
History: Former state superintendent of public instruction, former 20th District Assembly member, former 18th District Assembly member
Website: delaineforgovernor.com

Gavin Newsom
Age: 50
Party: Democratic
Resides: Marin County
History: Current lieutenant governor, former San Francisco mayor, former San Francisco Board of Supervisors member
Website: gavinnewsom.com

Antonio Villaraigosa
Age: 65
Party: Democratic
Resides: Los Angeles
History: Former Los Angeles mayor, former Los Angeles City Council member, former Assembly speaker
Website: antonioforcalifornia.com