Final answer:
Presidential candidates focus on California, Texas, and New York because of their large populations, which translate to a significant number of electoral votes critical for victory. Additionally, these states' diverse demographics and major urban centers offer opportunities to address various voter concerns and gain considerable media coverage.
Step-by-step explanation:
A presidential candidate would focus on states like California, Texas, and New York because these states have significant electoral votes due to their large populations. California, as the most populous state, and Texas, rapidly growing in population, carry a high number of electoral votes which are critical for a candidate to win the presidency. Additionally, New York is also populous and carries considerable electoral influence. Campaigning in these states can be a strategic move to garner a substantial number of electoral votes, sway undecided voters, and generate media attention. The allocation of time and resources to these states can contribute to a candidate's overall election strategy, by targeting areas where they can either consolidate their base or persuade swing voters.
Moreover, these states often represent diverse demographics, which means that candidates can address a wide range of issues and policies that resonate with different groups of voters. The presence of major urban centers such as Los Angeles in California and New York City also means that successful campaign events can attract substantial media coverage, further amplifying the candidate's message.