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Everything you need to know about Larry Elder

A closeup of Larry Elders smiling.
Conservative radio talk show host Larry Elder, who is running for governor of California, greets supporters at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills on Aug. 10.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
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Conservative talk show host Larry Elder has emerged as the Republican front-runner in the race to replace Gavin Newsom if California voters recall the governor.

Elder has been a fixture on conservative media for decades, appearing on KABC radio and, more recently, Fox News.

He grew up in South Los Angeles, a challenging childhood he has recounted in books. A graduate of Brown University and the University of Michigan Law School, Elder loves to debate issues. But his extreme views and what critics say is an embrace of misinformation have made him a highly controversial candidate, and he’s come under attack by Democrats as well as some Republicans.

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Elder, 69, jumped into the race in mid-July, months after some other candidates, and immediately changed the dynamic. He became the front-runner in the polls and quickly raised significant sums of money, with a particularly strong showing among people who gave less than $100.

Elder once scoffed at going into California politics. Though he once judged California “ungovernable,” given super-majorities the Democrats hold in the Legislature, Elder said he did some research that changed his mind. He now says that he could make a mark, through vetoes, the “bully pulpit” of public persuasion and by declaring emergencies.

Here is what you need to know about Elder from the pages of The Times:

Profiles

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Larry Elder’s views cost him listeners and even his best friend. But he won’t waver

Larry knows best: The sage of South Central (1998)

His record

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What does Larry Elder’s talk radio commentary tell us about how he would lead California?

Elder’s ex-fiancee becomes his biggest critic

Larry Elder breached charity. But his own charity failed

Questions about Elder’s financial disclosures

Larry Elder vs. the press

Polling

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Larry Elder leads GOP field

Analysis

Larry Elder is the Black face of white supremacy

Elder and the end of California progressive politics?

Larry Elder and Donald Trump

Is Larry Elder a gift to Democrats?

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Elder and Newsom: A special relationship

Too bad you can’t believe Larry Elder

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