California gubernatorial candidate John Cox talks recall Newsom efforts, economic recovery plan
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Diego businessman John Cox, one of the two Republicans who have declared they will challenge Governor Gavin Newsom should the recall make it to the ballot, committed a new round of $1 million to his gubernatorial campaign, bringing his personal contribution to $2 million.
Cox has the wealth, but insists he also has the grassroots support. He points out he has over individual 2,000 donors so far. Cox was live on ABC7 News Thursday.
RELATED: Former gubernatorial candidate John Cox plans to run for CA governor if Newsom is recalled
Cox ramping up his campaign as comes as one month remains for supporters of the recall to submit signatures in their effort to recall Governor Newsom. Organizers have surpassed the 1.5 million threshold, but are still collecting more because typically, 25% of signatures are thrown out when they can't be validated.
In 2018, Cox had President Trump's endorsement, but in heavily Democratic California, lost to Newsom in a landslide by 24%. That's something the other Republican in the race, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, has seized upon as why he is the more electable.
RELATED: Kevin Faulconer challenges Newsom's handling of pandemic as he jumps into race for governor
Cox accuses Faulconer of corruption for an office space deal he negotiated as San Diego Mayor that turned out to be usable for problems with asbestos.
Cox has been critical of Governor Newsom's handling of the state on many issues. He says the science shows schools could have reopened a long time ago, and that businesses were closed longer than they needed to.
With regard to vaccines, Cox says the Governor should have involved pharmacies as part of the distribution effort from the get go.
WATCH: Why do people want to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom? We explain
