Editor’s note: The presidential nominating contests in both parties will come down to the California primary.
For Democrats, 548 delegates are at stake — 11.5% of the total. For Republicans, 172 delegates are at stage — 6.9% of the total. Of those, for Democrats, 158 (29%) are divided proportionally on a statewide basis, while 317 (58%) are divided proportionally by congressional district, with each district providing between 5 and 8 delegates. The remaining 73 (13%) are “superdelegates.”
For Republicans, 13 (8%) are awarded statewide, with ten going to the candidate with the highest number of votes on a winner-take-all basis, and three going to “pre-determined” delegates (the State Chair, National Committeewoman, National Committeeman). Meanwhile, 159 (92%) are awarded by congressional district on a winner-take-all basis, with each district providing 3 delegates.
The result: a district-by-district battle in both parties, which we preview for you here.
CA-20: This idyllic district marks the northern end of the Central Coast, following the majestic coastal highway down from Santa Cruz, through Monterey, and into Big Sur. Inland, farming communities dot the hillsides, raising grapes and other irrigated crops. Iconic towns like Hollister and Salinas define the area’s cultural legacy. While the district is represented by liberal Democrat Sam Farr, Republican Clint Eastwood was once mayor of Carmel.
Prospects:
Democrats: Santa Cruz will deliver votes to Sanders, but Monterey and the inland communities will go to Clinton.
Clinton 3, Sanders 3
Republicans: Donald Trump is polling far ahead of his rivals in the few Central Coast polls that are available.
Trump 3, Cruz 0, Kasich 0
Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News. His new e-book, Leadership Secrets of the Kings and Prophets: What the Bible’s Struggles Teach Us About Today, is on sale through Amazon Kindle Direct. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak.