News Update

Governor recall election date set for Sept. 14

The second gubernatorial recall election in California state history is scheduled for Sept. 14. The announcement came on Thursday after months of procedural back and forth and efforts by Gov. Gavin Newsom to appeal to voters and stave off a recall effort.

“I believe we have chosen a fair and reasonable date for this election to take place,” said Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis in a prepared statement. “It has always been my intention to choose an election date that gives election officials and the public ample time to ensure a smooth election with broad participation.”

According to CalMatters, Newsom’s public approval rating has been improving as the state has been recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. But delaying the vote until September could give opponents more time to organize efforts to remove him from office.

California’s gubernatorial recall is only the fourth in the nation’s history. It started before the pandemic primarily by conservatives who are critical of Newsom’s position on the death penalty as well as issues the state faces around homelessness and immigration, but it gained support during pandemic-related business restrictions and closures.