Former President Donald Trump made a strong showing at the California GOP’s fall convention, addressing the party faithful and vowing to win the state in future elections. Trump criticized California’s Democratic leadership, accusing them of facilitating the state’s decline, and promised to crack down on retail thefts if elected. Although California leans Democratic in general elections, its primary holds significant weight due to its delegate-rich contest held on Super Tuesday. However, Trump may have an advantage in the primary, as the state GOP rules could allow him to shut out his rivals from winning any delegates at all.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also attended the convention, seeking to court the same crowd as Trump. DeSantis, whose position in GOP primary polling has recently grown shakier, criticized Trump for skipping the party’s second primary debate, challenging him to face him on stage. Meanwhile, Scott aimed to command more attention during the first Republican debate, emphasizing the importance of highlighting the differences among candidates for primary voters. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who faced criticism from several rivals during the debate, outlined his campaign strategy moving forward, focusing on communicating his policy ideas and portraying a different side of himself to voters.
Overall, the convention showcased a showdown between prominent Republican figures, with Trump’s presence dominating the event. The primary race in California holds considerable influence, and Trump’s potential ability to shut out his rivals from winning any delegates could impact the outcome. Meanwhile, DeSantis and Scott sought to gain traction and differentiate themselves from their competitors, emphasizing their policy positions and willingness to engage in debates. Ramaswamy also aimed to make his mark, focusing on policy-driven discussions and presenting a new perspective to voters.