The California Republican Party endorsed state Sen. Brian Dahle for governor on Sunday, a contentious battle among four candidates that took multiple rounds of ballots to reach the 60% threshold required for the party nod.
Dahle, a Lassen County family farmer who has spent more than a quarter century in elected office, told delegates he was most qualified because of his experience in government and as a father.
"I want for your children and my children to have the same opportunities that we've had. But that will not happen if we do not strike a blow for freedom this year," he said during a candidates' forum on Saturday, adding that incumbent Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democrats are vulnerable because of the rates of taxes, poverty and crime in California. "Delegates, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity. The wind is at our back. Californians are looking for a better choice."
