John Cox on How He Would Solve the Housing Crisis

John Cox became a multimillionaire building apartments in the Midwest but not in California, where he is campaigning for governor, because it is too expensive.

Cox, a Republican, is leaning on that experience as he makes his argument for his candidacy: that he is best positioned to solve California’s housing crisis.

It may be a powerful message in a state where so many are struggling to pay rent or buy a house, but Cox is behind in the polls and in fundraising against the front-runner, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom.

We spoke with Cox on his bus as he toured California trying to spread his name in a place that hasn’t elected a Republican to a statewide office since 2006. Below are excerpts from the conversation, which have been lightly edited and condensed.

I just built 30 units at a property in southern Indiana. The land is a lot cheaper than in California, but the other costs — roofing, lumber, windows, appliances, carpeting, drywall — those costs aren’t that much more expensive in California than they are in Indiana.

The difference: I build those units for $90,000 a door. In Los Angeles you would be talking $450,000 to $500,000. The difference is delay, impact fees, red tape, litigation, regulations, mandates. Which is all government created. I think I can work on streamlining those things.

I think immigration enhances this country. Look at what Silicon Valley has done with a whole bunch of people who came to this country. But I don’t like people who cut in line, so I want it done legally ...

I’m for the border wall. I’m against the sanctuary state. I want criminals out of here.