In a Republican showdown in California, Donald Trump addressed the state’s GOP fall convention, stating that he would win California if not for a “rigged election system.” Trump criticized the state’s Democratic leadership and pledged to empower police to crack down on retail thefts if he were elected. California, with its 54 electoral votes, is a reliably Democratic state in general elections but plays a significant role in the Republican primary as a delegate-rich contest. The state GOP rules could potentially allow Trump to shut out his rivals from winning any delegates. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also spoke at the convention, with DeSantis criticizing Trump for skipping the primary debate and suggesting a one-on-one debate moderated by Fox News host Sean Hannity.
In an appearance at the California GOP fall convention, former President Donald Trump addressed a supportive Republican crowd and criticized the state’s Democratic leadership, including Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump, who lost California by over 5 million votes in the 2020 election, claimed that a “rigged election system” prevented him from winning the state. He also promised to crack down on retail thefts by empowering police to shoot thieves as they leave stores. The California primary is crucial for the Republican nomination, as it awards a large number of delegates, and the state’s GOP rules could potentially allow Trump to secure all of California’s delegates if he receives over 50% of the primary vote. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also appeared at the convention, with DeSantis criticizing Trump’s decision to skip the primary debate and suggesting a one-on-one debate with the former president moderated by Fox News host Sean Hannity.
Donald Trump, along with several Republican presidential contenders, traveled to Anaheim to speak at the California GOP’s fall convention. In his address to the crowd, Trump expressed confidence that he would win California if not for a “rigged election system.” He criticized the state’s Democratic leadership and pledged to tackle water shortages and retail thefts if elected. California, a reliably blue state in general elections, plays a significant role in the Republican primary as it offers a large number of delegates. The state GOP rules could give Trump an advantage, potentially allowing him to secure all of California’s delegates if he receives over 50% of the primary vote. Trump’s appearance in California came after he skipped the second primary debate held in Simi Valley at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. While Trump was absent, his rivals, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, participated in the debate. At the convention, DeSantis criticized Trump for skipping the debate and proposed a one-on-one debate with him moderated by Fox News host Sean Hannity.