Trump wades into California primary in hopes of boosting GOP

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is wading into the heated California GOP gubernatorial primary, endorsing businessman John Cox in hopes of maximizing Republican chances of securing a spot on the ballot this November.

In a Friday tweet Trump says, “John Cox is the man – he’ll be the best Governor you’ve ever had.”

Cox is facing off against Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen and several Democratic candidates in the primary. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is the odds-on favourite to win June 5, but Republicans hope that the remaining Democrats will split the vote enough to allow one of the GOP candidates onto the ballot in November.

Cox has said he voted for Libertarian Gary Johnson in the 2016 presidential race, but has also said he regrets that vote.