SPECIAL REPORT: Primary preview on the Central Coast
The June primary is less than a week away and there is a lot for voters to choose in the election.
KION is taking a look at some of the races, county and state-wide ahead of primary day.
Central Coast residents told KION they will be voting come the primary.
“We’ve got to vote, otherwise we can’t complain.”
“There are some local ones I have some strong opinions about.”
Despite the enthusiasm, the last midterm primary, in 2014, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties all had fewer than 35 percent voter turnout.
But, these primaries matter. Some races end if a candidate reaches 50 percent next Tuesday. That includes positions such as treasurer, district attorney and others.
The hotly contested Monterey County Sheriff’s race between Steve Bernal and Scott Davis could be a done deal.
“There’s a professional law enforcement person in that position yet it is elected by the public. There’s always a lot of emotion,” said political analyst Doctor David Anderson.
The same goes for county supervisors where Chris Lopez has outspent his competitors for the district three seat in Monterey County. Big bucks also being spent by both incumbent John Phillips and non-profit executive Regina Gage in district two.
At the state level, Anna Caballero is termed out in Assembly District 30 so she is running in State Senate District 12 against four other candidates. Caballero and Robert Poythress have both spent more than $250,000.
The spending is also racking up in her old seat in the district that covers parts of Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Santa Clara Counties.
However, David Anderson says these state races are tough to gauge.
“It’s hard to predict local races. There’s not a lot of strong local polling, turnout too. Who shows up,” said Anderson.
There are also more than 30 candidates running for U.S. Senate and still many people don’t know who they are supporting.
Finally, there is the big governor’s race. The top job in the state capitol up for grabs with Jerry Brown terming out. There are six main candidates vying for two spots in November.
“For people that like to watch elections, the governor’s race is the one to watch. The whole idea of top two was to eliminate some of the partisanship of these races and allow some of the best people to come forward regardless of party,” said David Anderson.
Polls show Gavin Newsom is nearly a lock, but will it be two democrats as Antonio Villaraigosa stays afloat?
Or one from each party, with Republican John Cox or Travis Allen.
John Cox has received President Trump’s endorsement, but Travis Allen says Trump made a mistake.
“The only candidate in the race that actually voted for and supported the republican nominee for president, Donald J Trump,” said California Governor Candidate Travis Allen.
Either way, the voters will decide come Election Day, Tuesday June 5th.
