SACRAMENTO, Calif. _ Fresh off a strong second-place showing in Tuesday's California gubernatorial primary, Republican businessman John Cox said his opponent in November is supporting left-wing policies that will turn the state into a failed regime.
"This debate is going to set up a clear choice between Venezuela, which is what (Lt. Gov.) Gavin Newsom wants California to look like, and the California Dream, which I want to restore," Cox said on Fox News on Wednesday morning.
Newsom, a Democrat, is the heavy favorite to defeat Cox in November in a state where Democrats overwhelmingly outnumber Republicans. Cox criticized Newsom for backing liberal immigration and taxation policies that he said would turn California into Venezuela, the South American country that is collapsing under autocratic rule with energy and food shortages.
Cox also praised President Donald Trump, who provided a spark to his campaign in the final weeks by tweeting an endorsement. Cox likened his chances in California to Trump's unexpected presidential victory two years ago.
"All around the world people are rising up against corruption in government," Cox said.
Earlier Wednesday, Trump congratulated Cox for his No. 2 finish and took credit for helping him get there.
