John Cox is a businessman and a Republican with a shot, after the June primary, of being one of the two candidates on the November ballot for governor. The New York Times’ California Today has been doing occasional question-and-answer sessions with candidates for office.
This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
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Q: How does a Republican win an election in a state like this?
A: The biggest issue is the sanctuary state. The politicians seem to be favoring criminals over law-abiding citizens. The politicians are ignoring the rule of law in favor of political expediency. The other big issue is the tax burden — the gas tax in particular. They enacted this tax increase using a lot of political games to get it accomplished.
Q: Does the Republican Party need to expand its appeal to become more competitive here?
A: I’m a Jack Kemp Republican. I think that’s the kind of Republican we all have to be. Jack would always speak positively about things. I want people to get away from harsh language.
Having said that, it is absolutely objectionable for people like Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown to say they are not going to adhere to the federal law on immigration. Jerry Brown should not be acting like George Wallace in front of the schoolhouse in Alabama.
Q: How much of an obstacle is Trump for you as you run for governor?
A: I’m at a forum a few weeks ago and I’m listening to these Democrats ripping him up. I said: “Donald Trump didn’t create the housing crisis. Donald Trump didn’t create a drought. Donald Trump didn’t raise your taxes to ridiculous heights. You are sitting here making Donald Trump the issue.” The issue on the ballot in 2018 is not going to be Donald Trump.
Q: How do you think he is doing for president?
A: I didn’t vote for him. But I take great pains to say I like the tax cut. I like the regulations that he is streamlining. I like the judges he’s appointing. I like moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. So he’s done some great things. I’m not a huge fan of his Twittering.