Activists who previously sought to remove Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) in a 2021 recall are gearing up for another attempt.
This citizen-led group plans to deliver recall papers to Newsom’s office on Monday, as reported by Politico. Spearheaded by Rescue California, the latest effort highlights Newsom’s gubernatorial aspirations and his role as a campaign surrogate for President Joe Biden’s reelection bid. The group alleges Newsom’s focus on national politics has diverted attention from California’s budget deficit and pressing issues.
“Gavin Newsom has abandoned the state to advance his presidential ambitions, leaving behind a $73 billion budget deficit and a public safety, immigration, and education crisis,” remarked Anne Dunsmore, a campaign director for Rescue California. Over 400 Californians have reportedly joined as proponents of the new recall effort.
Dunsmore and other organizers point to Newsom’s recent policy decisions as additional motivation. They cite ineffective measures in addressing California’s homelessness crisis, learning setbacks due to prolonged school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes in the criminal justice system contributing to rising crime rates across the state. Newsom’s office appears to be taking the latest recall attempt seriously.
“We are taking it seriously. These Trump Republicans are targeting Gov. Newsom because he is out there defending democracy and fighting for the reelection of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,” stated Newsom spokesman Nathan Click. “He’s not going to be distracted from that fight. Democracy’s on the ballot, and he’s going to keep fighting.”
Despite concerns about low voter turnout among Democrats during a COVID-19 surge in 2021, Newsom successfully thwarted the previous recall attempt. With a campaign that raised over $70 million, Newsom transformed the recall effort into a platform for extensive advertising and garnered support from national Democrats to bolster voter participation.
