Is a Vote for Cox Really a Vote for Newsom? Villaraigosa, Cox Disagree.

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 7 years ago on

May 30, 2018

Two top contenders for governor of California stumped in Fresno on Tuesday.
Coincidence or not, Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa and Republican John Cox were in the same city at the same time.
Villaraigosa touted his latest endorsement from Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
Meanwhile, Cox met with his base at Fresno County Republican Headquarters.

Villaraigosa Warns Against Cox Vote

“I think a vote for John Cox is a vote for Gavin Newsom. That’s pretty clear.”—Antonio Villaraigosa

The two made their cases on why voters should pick them.
“I think a vote for John Cox is a vote for Gavin Newsom. That’s pretty clear,” Villaraigosa said at a noontime news conference in front of Fresno Police headquarters.

Cox Responds to Villaraigosa

“A vote for me is a vote for me in the November elections. … I think Mr. Villaraigosa has it all wrong, as far as that goes.” —John Cox

Unsurprisingly, Cox vehemently disagreed when asked to respond to Villaraigosa.
“Not at all. A vote for me is a vote for me in the November elections,” Cox said.
“It is a vote for getting a state that is enjoyable and livable and has opportunity. A vote for me is to a vote to make sure people have better schools, better roads, that we don’t waste money in government, that we have a lower tax burden. A vote for me is a lower gas tax as well. I think Mr. Villaraigosa has it all wrong, as far as that goes.”

Villaraigosa: Bridge Between Dems & GOP

Villaraigosa made the case that he can work with both political parties.
“Look, I think most people in the Valley, and frankly a lot of people in this state, think our politics are broken,” Villaraigosa said. “They are tired of the screaming on both sides. They are looking for a uniter. That’s what I am. I work with Republicans. I work with a broad cross-section of people.”
According to the latest polls, both men are looking up at the front-runner, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.

AG Candidate Bailey Appears With Cox

Attorney General candidate Steven Bailey, a retired El Dorado County Superior Court Judge, appeared with Cox on Tuesday.
Bailey, who is endorsed by the California GOP, is running second in the polls behind Democratic incumbent Xavier Becerra.

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David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email