Cox says Californians don't know him the way they know Newsom, and he believes that's why the the lieutenant.governor is ahead in the polls. "President Trump isn't on the ballot. Mr.

Republican John Cox is on the rise thanks to backing from President Donald Trump and a boost from Democratic frontrunner Gavin Newsom. "People are looking for a change in management, frankly.

In the poll of likely voters, 22% said they would vote for Democrat Gavin Newsom, 14% Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa, 11% Republican John Cox, 9% Democrat John Chiang, and 7% Republican Travis Allen.