President Donald Trump on Monday once again voiced his support for Republican candidate for California governor John Cox.

“California has a rare opportunity to turn things around and solve its high crime, high tax, problems – along with so many others. On June 5th., vote for GOP Gubernatorial Candidate JOHN COX, a really good and highly competent man. He’ll Make California Great Again!” Trump tweeted.

Cox, a self-funded businessman, is tied for second place with his Democrat rival, former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

The latest USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll, with a 4% margin of error, shows Villaraigosa has 11 percent support from likely voters, while Cox sits at 10 percent support.

In first place is Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who leads both Cox and Villaraigosa with 21% of support among likely voters.

Joel B. Pollak, Breitbart News’ Senior Editor-at-Large, reported on Cox’s strong pollings last week.

The new Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) poll shows that Cox leads former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa by 4%, outside the 3.1% margin of error: “Democrat Gavin Newsom (25%) leads among likely voters, followed by Republican John Cox (19%), Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa (15%), Republican Travis Allen (11%), and Democrats John Chiang (9%) and Delaine Eastin (6%). Fifteen percent of likely voters are still undecided.”

Conservative stalwart Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) is still campaigning hard. But if Allen and Cox split the vote, Villaraigosa could sail into the general election.
California’s “jungle” primary rules state that the top two primary finishers – irrespective of party affiliation – will move on to the general election in November.

Last week, President Trump endorsed Cox, promising Californians that the businessman will be “the best Governor you’ve ever had.”

“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. I fully endorse John Cox for Governor and look forward to working with him to Make California Great Again!”

If Cox maintains his position in second place, he would qualify for the general election in November — which, Republicans hope, would boost turnout enough to help several vulnerable Republican incumbents save their seats, hence saving Congress from Democratic control.