Advertised as a “wide-ranging conversation” instead of a formal political debate, the one-on-one meeting between Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Republican businessman John Cox was noteworthy for lacking the prime-time television audience that traditionally sees candidates competing for the most powerful and coveted political post in the nation’s most populous state.

During the candidate forum, hosted by San Francisco public radio station KQED and airing statewide, Newsom and Cox clashed over their personal beliefs and political histories in what was largely a measured exchange.

“Gavin has been part of a political class that has led this state downward,” Cox said early in the one-hour radio forum. “I have a vision of this state being affordable and livable. I think we can do that if we get rid of the special-interest influence in Sacramento.”

Newsom blasted Cox for being out of step with most Californians on gun control, abortion rights and climate change, saying the Republican offered only “illusory” ideas but no concrete solutions on how to address crucial state issues such as the need for affordable housing.

He also criticized his opponent for comments the Republican made in 2007 when he said the push for LGBTQ rights would “open the floodgates to polygamy and bestiality.” LATimes 08 October 2018
California Statewide Poll: Week 6 Newsom loses nearly 3% this week and Cox picks up 1% point. Newsom’s advantage with No Party Preference voters is slipping back to 46.7% to Cox’s 44.8%.

Gavin Newsom: 50.7%
John Cox: 43.3%
Unsure: 5.9%
https://us19.campaign-archive.com/?u=fd19d69505045f7e019bb4a7a&id=a5fa95a604