Republican businessmen John Cox will compete against Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom to become the next California governor in November.

Cox captured the second place with more than 26% while Newsom obtained over 33% of the votes. The figure is based on the tentative results of the primary election—99% ( 21,421 of 21,458) precincts reporting, according to the New York Times.

Under California law, the top two candidates in the primary will advance to the general election in November. Many believe that Newsom will easily win the governor’s race since Democrats overwhelmingly outnumber Republicans in the state.

Cox criticizes Newsom for supporting left-wing policies

On Wednesday, Cox immediately attacked Newsom. He called his opponent a supporter of left-wing policies that will make California a failed government. He criticized his Democratic opponent for supporting liberal immigration and taxation policies.

In an interview with Fox News, the Republican gubernatorial candidate said, “This debate is going to set up a clear choice between Venezuela, which is what Gavin Newsom wants California to look like, and the California Dream, which I want to restore.”

In a recent interview with Los Angeles Times, Cox said he will make his case to voters that Newsom will increase property and state income taxes.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate thanked President Donald Trump for endorsing him. The President congratulated him in a tweet on Wednesday.

Great night for Republicans! Congratulations to John Cox on a really big number in California. He can win. Even Fake News CNN said the Trump impact was really big, much bigger than they ever thought possible. So much for the big Blue Wave, it may be a big Red Wave. Working hard!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2018

Trump’s foot soldier in his war on California

On the other hand, Newsom stated in his victory speech that California will “have a real choice” in the general election. According to him, the choice is between a “governor who will stand up to Donald Trump and a foot soldier in his war on California.”

“Mark my words, I’ve never backed down from a fight…We’re a state where we don’t criminalize diversity. We celebrate diversity. A state where we don’t obstruct justice, we demand justice for everybody. We don’t regulate a woman’s body more than we regulate assault weapons on our street.” said Newsom.