FRESNO (KMJ) — Gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom dropped by Downtown Fresno as part of his Blue California Tour, in a visit which saw vocal detractors clash with supporters.
The official reason for Newsom’s visit was a meet and greet with Congressional Candidate TJ Cox and State Senate Candidate Melissa Hurtado.
“I just love what these two represent,” began Newsom. “They represent the best of California. The best of this country.”
The crowd packed into the headquarters of Fresno County Democratic Party Wednesday morning and much applause was given to policies such as low-carbon green-growth and universal healthcare.
“We’re living in a state where we spend over a billion dollars every single day on health insurance – one billion a day! Yet three million of us don’t have health insurance, 12 million of us are under-insured.”
Newsom concluded his campaign stop encouraging his backers to go out and vote.
“Don’t dream of regretting. Let’s not run the 90 yard dash. There’s so much at stake.”
Outside, political activist Ben Bergquam used a megaphone to express his own opinions. He questioned Newsom about illegal immigration as he left the campaign bus, and argued with a Newsom supporter over the use of taxpayers’ money.
.@GavinNewsom is still inside @fresnocountydms, but outside an argument erupts between two people over use of taxpayers’ money and other political issues. More on @KMJNOW. pic.twitter.com/uKtm1tiYvw
— Dom McAndrew (@DomMcAndrew) September 12, 2018
The Democratic gubernatorial candidate’s visit lasted about one hour. He is up against Republican candidate John Cox in the November general election.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
