Political experts say Newsom’s frequent criticism of Elder indicates that the radio personality’s dominance in the polls actually helps the embattled governor, who now has a credibly threatening rival to campaign against.

In liberal California, a viable conservative candidate like Elder will help Newsom in his mission to convince Democrats to vote, Sacramento State political science Professor Kim Nalder said.

“If Larry Elder is the face of the alternative to Newsom, it absolutely helps him in California because California is a deep blue state,” Nalder said. “Democrats are not likely voters at this point, so the goal for Newsom is to motivate people to bother to vote. The fear of a Trumpian candidate will do that.”