A new rule change in California may give former President Donald Trump an unexpected advantage in the state's primary race.
The California GOP executive committee approved the plan that changed the rules for how delegates are awarded in the state.
How Trump has an edge in California GOP primary after state rule change https://t.co/NV6wOn8DUB
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 31, 2023
"The new rule in California means a Republican presidential candidate who receives more than 50% of the vote in the March 5 primary will win all 169 of the state’s delegates, which is the most of any state in the nation," the Los Angeles Times reported.
"If no one reaches this benchmark, delegates will be awarded proportionally on the basis of the statewide vote," it added.
Tensions flare as California Republicans give Trump a boost by overhauling state primary rules https://t.co/YxyYmHjrMq
— PapaESoCo (@PapaESoCo) July 31, 2023
“Today’s vote ... was a massive victory for California Republicans who are eager to have a say in deciding who our Party’s 2024 presidential nominee will be,” state party chair Jessica Millan Patterson said in a statement.
“Republican presidential candidates will not only be encouraged to spend real time campaigning in our state and making their case to voters, but Republican voters will equally be encouraged to turn out to support their chosen candidate to help them win delegates.”
Trump now only needs to win at least 50% of the state's primary vote to receive all of its delegates, the largest number of any state in the nation.
California's primary occurs on Super Tuesday, March 5, when many other states are also holding primaries. The day could be vital in determining whether Trump returns in a likely rematch with President Joe Biden.
Other candidates, including Ron DeSantis, will now be forced to focus on winning in early states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina to help gain momentum to keep Trump from reaching 50% in California.
If not, Super Tuesday could become Trump's primary victory day in his effort to return to the White House.
