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-48: One of the few conservative coastal strongholds, this district stretches along the majestic Orange County coastline from Laguna Beach to Seal Beach. It is represented by conservative Republican Dana Rohrabacher, who is backing Ted Cruz and is outspoken on government spending and the persecution of Christians worldwide. He also takes a more libertarian, states’ rights approach to marijuana. Along with Hollywood, the district is a frequent fundraising stop for Republicans.
Prospects:
Democrats: There are enough Sanders fans to score him a delegate or two, but Clinton will do better in the district.
Clinton 4, Sanders 2
Republicans: Cruz will do very well in this district, while Trump is more likely to dominate inland Orange County.
Cruz 3, Trump 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.