See where Democratic presidential candidates are campaigning in California

Democratic presidential candidates began the year by flocking to California to raise money and campaign. The state has the most delegates, making it an important battleground for those seeking the party’s nomination.

Yet visits have been few and far between lately, as campaigns focus more of their attention on four earlier voting states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

A Sacramento Bee analysis shows a total of 458 visits to the Golden State through March 3, including at least one appearance from 26 of the 29 Democrats who announced their presidential bid and 14 events from all five Democrats still in the race.

Here’s an interactive map of all the candidate visits to the state:

Ignoring the Central Valley

When they do come to California, the existing field of six candidates have largely ignored the middle of the state, instead choosing to go to San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Of the 458 total candidate appearances, which include five from President Donald Trump, four from Republican Bill Weld and three from former possible contender Howard Schultz, 132 have been held in Los Angeles and 120 have been held in San Francisco.

“There is a bias towards going to the larger media markets, which also have large universes of potential donors,” said Bill Carrick, a top Democratic strategist in California. “When you’re running a campaign, it’s very important to go to communities all over the state. The swing areas are Riverside, San Bernardino, the Central Valley, the Central Coast and Sacramento.”

Only two of the six remaining candidates have visited the middle of the state.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders held a rally in Fresno after rescheduling a trip because had suffered a heart attack that forced him off the campaign trail. Sanders has held 39 events and two fundraisers in the Golden State since declaring his candidacy.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg made a pair of stops in Stockton in December in his first California trip. He’s made 17 total appearances in the state since declaring his candidacy.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, who has yet to visit the middle of the state, made 45 appearances through March 3, including 29 fundraisers. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has appeared at 14 California events, none of which were in the Central Valley.

Visits by candidate

If California’s March 3, 2020 primary election were held today, Sanders, Warren, Biden and Bloomberg would be the likeliest candidates to pick up delegates. Regardless, they are not the only ones competing for attention in the Golden State.

Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has participated in 20 California events.

This story was originally published March 27, 2019 at 2:41 PM.