California gubernatorial candidate John Cox (R) is edging closer to frontrunner Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) after an endorsement from President Trump.

Cox is the leading Republican for the June 5th "jungle" primary, in which the top two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party.

California has a rare opportunity to turn things around and solve its high crime, high tax, problems - along with so many others. On June 5th., vote for GOP Gubernatorial Candidate JOHN COX, a really good and highly competent man. He’ll Make California Great Again! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2018

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Newsom, the former mayor of San Francisco, holds a nine-point lead on Cox, according to Real Clear Politics' polling average.

Outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown (D) has sparked controversy in the state with the passage of a sanctuary law, which critics argue hinders the ability of federal authorities to apprehend criminal aliens.

Cox said on "America's Newsroom" Friday that both he and the president are "businessmen" and that 19 states have Republican businessmen or women as their governors.

"We get the job done. We don't engage in a lot of partisan bickering. ... That's what the president is doing," he said, touting the new jobs report.

Cox said he believes Californians "are looking for change" and are becoming more and more concerned about the state's affordability after years of Democrat-led tax hikes, including on gasoline.

"I think they're finally getting it. We don't want to become the Venezuela of America. We don't want government running our lives completely," he said.

Watch the interview above.

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