California Certifies Trump for Presidential Primary

Former President Donald Trump has been officially certified as a candidate for the upcoming California presidential primary on March 5. This decision by California Secretary of State Shirley Weber contrasts with the actions of other states attempting to block Trump from running. Maine and Colorado have declared Trump ineligible due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Despite efforts by elected Democrats, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, to prevent Trump from appearing on the ballot, Weber maintained that safeguarding elections is essential regardless of political differences. Additionally, Democratic state Sen. Dave Min considered introducing a bill allowing California residents to legally challenge ineligible candidates, although time constraints make its implementation before the primary unlikely. Governor Gavin Newsom cautioned against preempting the U.S. Supreme Court, emphasizing that defeating candidates at the polls is the appropriate course of action. Newsom recognized Trump as a threat but stressed the need to focus on electoral processes.