Capitol Alert: Primary for late Sen. Cox's seat part of Nov. 2 election

The latest on California politics and government

July 26, 2010

Primary for late Sen. Cox's seat part of Nov. 2 election

A special primary election to succeed the late Sen. Dave Cox, R-Fair Oaks, will be blended into the Nov. 2 general election in California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today.

Republican and Democratic voters will get a choice among candidates running for a party nomination. But if one candidate from the total field of those running in the primary should win 50 percent plus one of all votes cast, then that candidate will succeed Cox outright.

If no candidate wins more than 50 percent, then a runoff election with each party's top vote getter will be held Jan. 4..

Cox, who represented the 1st Senate district, died July 13 after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Assemblyman Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, has expressed interest in the seat. Cox transferred $7,800 in campaign funds to Niello shortly before Cox died.

Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, has also shown interest in running for the seat, which runs from the Sacramento suburbs up to the eastern Oregon border.

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