Trump backs Cox for California governor

SACRAMENTO —President Donald Trump endorsed Republican John Cox for California governor in a tweet Friday, backing that could pay dividends in consolidating the GOP vote in the June primary, increasing Cox’s chances to win a spot on the November ballot.

“California finally deserves a great Governor, one who understands borders, crime and lowering taxes. John Cox is the man — he’ll be the best Governor you’ve ever had,” the president said.

Cox said he was “honored and deeply grateful” for the endorsement.

“I am looking forward to working with (the president) to make California great again,” Cox said in a statement. “Like the President, I’m businessman who knows how to get things done. We’re going to secure the border, empower California small businesses, lower taxes, and make affordable.”

Trump overwhelmingly lost California to Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Clinton received nearly 8.8 million votes in the state compared to Trump’s 4.5 million votes, but if Cox receives anything close to Trump’s number, the votes should be more than enough to give him a second-place finish on June 5.

Trump’s endorsement of Cox is a major blow to GOP rival Travis Allen, an assemblyman and the favorite in the race of many California conservatives.

Throughout the campaign, Allen has hammered Cox for admitting that he did not vote for Trump in the 2016 presidential election, instead supporting Libertarian Gary Johnson because he said he didn’t trust that Trump was a true conservative. Cox has since said he regretted that vote, saying he has been pleased by Trump’s actions in office such as the tax overhaul, though he wishes the president would tweet less.