Brown To Take On Kashkari In November Governor's Race

UPDATE: Democrat Jerry Brown is well on his way to winning a record fourth term as California governor after earning more than half of the vote in Tuesday’s primary. Standing in his way: Republican Neel Kashkari, who narrowly topped tea party Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) for second place.

Brown was so confident he’d move on to November that he didn’t campaign at all leading up to the primary – and he didn’t even hold a formal election night party. Instead, he dined with his Cabinet and top advisors at the historic Governor’s Mansion in Sacramento, then stepped outside to meet the press.

“It is a vote for strong fiscal management,” Brown said. “Our credit rating is going up. I think if we get the right kind of budget, it’ll go up again. And at the end of the day, people want to feel, they don’t need to worry about how Sacramento is being run, that it’s in good hands.”

Republican Kashkari, who ran the federal bank bailout program, used his personal wealth and party establishment support to eke out a second-place finish over Donnelly in a race that became a referendum on the future of the California Republican Party. In a late-night statement after Donnelly conceded, Kashkari called for an inclusive GOP – and called Brown’s legacy “the destruction of the middle class.”

-Ben Adler / Capital Public Radio

ORIGINAL STORY: It will not be a late election night for California Governor Jerry Brown. Within half an hour of the polls closing, Brown secured his spot in the November general election with over 50 percent of the vote.

Brown is largely expected to win reelection in the fall. But speaking to reporters outside the historic Governor’s mansion in Sacramento, Brown appeared reserved about his chances in November.  

“Fortune is fickle and I would never predict the future,” he says. “So, I’m cautious. I’m going to do everything I can to merit the people’s trust and then, in November, people will choose whether they want an unprecedented fourth term or not.”

Brown kept his comments general when asked how he’d feel about facing Republican Businessman Neel Kashkari in the general election. Kashkari is currently in second place.

“I think the other party, although it’s slipping, still has an opportunity to present an alternative candidate and then I think the people will have a choice and I think that’s good,” Brown says.

He would not commit to debating his opponent, only saying he’ll do whatever is needed. 

-Katie Orr / Capital Public Radio