San Diego Republican John Cox On Why He Should Be California’s Next Governor

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Credit: Associated Press

Above: California Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox, right, speaks in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

Aired 5/3/18 on KPBS Midday Edition

San Diego Republican John Cox On Why He Should Be California's Next Governor

GUEST:

John Cox, San Diego businessman

Transcript for audioclip 39753

A Republican has not won statewide office in California in more than 10 years. Gubernatorial candidate John Cox of Rancho Santa Fe wants to change that.

Democrat Gavin Newsom is the front-runner by a wide margin in the race to succeed Governor Jerry Brown. But Republican Cox is now running second or third in most polls, outpacing Democrats Antonio Villaraigosa and John Chiang.

If those numbers continue, John Cox has a good chance of making it past the June primary and on to the general election in November.

Cox has described himself as a "Jack Kemp-Republican" and said he did not vote for Donald Trump for President. But now he supports many of the President's policies, including Trump's attacks on California for declaring itself a sanctuary state.

Cox's views on marijuana use have gained notice. In an interview with editors and reporters at The San Diego Union-Tribune, he said marijuana users should be put into treatment facilities because they are at risk of moving on to harder drugs. But he declared his support for legalized medical marijuana.

John Cox is also actively involved in the campaign to repeal the gas tax increase that went into effect in California last year.

The California Republican Convention takes place in San Diego May 4 - 6.

Cox joins Midday Edition on Thursday to talk about the California governor's race.

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