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Political Breakdown

What Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan Primary Win Means for California Democrats

Newsom heads to Michigan this weekend to stump for Democrats just days after progressive Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s primary victory.
Guy Marzorati
U.S. Democratic Senate candidate from Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed, called for Democratic unity Wednesday after narrowly defeating the party establishment's candidate in Michigan and claiming the nomination for one of November's most important US Senate races.  (JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP via Getty Images)

The California billionaire tax measure picked up major endorsements this week from the state Democratic Party and the California Labor Federation. The proposal to issue a one-time, 5% tax on the assets of the state’s billionaires has split Democrats, echoing deeper divides in the party ahead of a consequential midterm election. Guy Marzorati and the San Francisco Chronicle’s senior political writer Joe Garofoli discuss Prop. 40’s growing momentum and what Gov. Gavin Newsom’s continuing opposition could mean for his presidential ambitions.

Then, they assess why Newsom is heading to Michigan this weekend, fresh off progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate primary victory. The race tested progressive candidates’ strength in a swing state and could shape midterm strategy here in California.

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