CommentsBCK FILE--With all the discussion about the important midterm elections, the June primaries likely haven’t been on top of your mind till now. You’ve likely been seeing campaign ads roll out in what should be a brisk gubernatorial primary race to replace Gov. Jerry Brown who is termed out of office, per the State Constitution.
The June 5 gubernatorial election is what’s known as Top 2 Primary, which means the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will make it to the November 6 ballot.
Twenty-seven candidates have filed candidacy, including 12 Democrats, 5 Republicans, two Libertarians, 2 members of the Green Party, 1 member of the Peace and Freedom Party, and 2 Independents.
According to most polls, the two leading candidates in what is characterized as Safe Democrat are Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) with both collecting a number of important endorsements.
Newsom’s endorsements include Secretary of State Alex Padilla (D) and labor unions including the California Teachers Association, the Laborers International Union of North America, the California Nurses Association, the National Union of Healthcare Workers, as well as Senator Kamala Harris (D).
On April 15, Newsom was endorsed by the California Labor Federation. Earlier this month, he was endorsed by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis (D).
Villaraigosa has picked up endorsements from Assembly Majority Leader Ian Charles Calderon (D), the state legislature’s Latino Caucus, and the Peace Officers Research Association of California.
In late March, Villaraigosa was endorsed by The California Charter Schools Association Advocates.
Additional Democrats in the Primary include California State Treasurer John Chiang (D) and former California Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin (D).
Chiang has been endorsed by both Rep. Ted Lieu (D) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D), as well as the Association of California State Supervisors.
Republican candidates include Assemblyman Travis Allen (R) and businessman John Cox (R). Allen has been endorsed by California Board of Equalization Chairwoman Diane Harkey (R) and Cox has been endorsed by Rep. Newt Gingrich (R - GA).
Stay tuned for additional information about the platforms of the candidates, as well as other significant races on the June 5 ballot, which includes 5 ballot measures, as well as the US Senate primary for incumbent Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat and important races for the House of Representatives.
For information on Dr. Assif Mahmood, who is running for Insurance Commission, see my previous columns at CityWatch.
(Beth Cone Kramer is a professional writer living in the Los Angeles area. She covers Resistance Watch and other major issues for CityWatch.)
-cw
