Gubernatorial candidate campaigns in Atascadero
– Monday night, California gubernatorial candidate Lewis Helms spoke at the Republican Headquarters in Atascadero. Helms told about 75 people, “A few months ago I was ranked number 16 among the Republican candidates, but I’ve moved up to number three.”
Currently, there are about 30 candidates vying for California governor. Helms says it’s anyone’s race at this point, but he says he expects some of the Republicans to drop out of the race in the next few weeks.
Other Republican candidates who are contenders include Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner Chad Bianco, who has previously stumped in Atascadero, and Steve Hilton, who is a political commentator.
Among Democrats, there is no clear leader, but former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is in the race. So is former California Controller Betty Yee and Congressman Eric Swalwell. Also, former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is running. Becerra also served as US Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2021-2025.
Governor Gavin Newsom is not eligible to run for another term.
The Primary is June 2nd. The top two vote getters in the June Primary, regardless of political party, will advance to the General Election on Nov. 3.
-Report and photos by Richard Mason.
