The National Republicans are partnering with the California state GOP in an effort to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. This move is the Republican’s most aggressive move to date to oust the first-term Democrat.
RNC Investing $250,000 Into Newsom Recall Effort https://t.co/ypUUm83iPH pic.twitter.com/vTbNFqHaj9
— The Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) February 12, 2021
The Republican National Committee invested $250,000 into the recall campaign against California Governor Gavin Newsom. In connection to this, the party is going to launch a digital and texting program to encourage people in California to sign in a petition that would qualify the recall for a vote later this year.
At present, the national Republican party had kept themselves away from the recall effort and instead leave it up to local activists to gather the needed signature.
Other than the national party, there are also two state-based groups – the California Patriot Coalition and Rescue California – that have been helping to drive the push. The groups stated that they have over 1.5 million signatures and are projected to acquire 1.6 million by the end of the weekend.
As of Thursday, the group looking to recall Governor Gavin Newsom says it has received about 1.47 million total petitions of their 1.8 million goal, accounting for a potential rejection rate of about 25% of the signatures. https://t.co/lB9q4SZBSq
— KGET 17 News (@KGETnews) February 12, 2021
In order to qualify the recall of the ballot, organizers must submit at least 1.5 million valid signatures to the Secretary of State’s office by March 17. However, they stated that they are trying to collect hundreds of thousands more signatures because election officials unavoidably deem that some signatures could be declared invalid.
Although the party’s investment in this movement is modest, it shows that as the recall becomes more likely, national donors are zeroing in more on the political fight.
Previously, Newsom’s opponents faced long odds in qualifying the recall for the ballot. However, they gained momentum around mid-November, when the mask-less Governor was photographed at a crowded party in an expensive restaurant at Napa Valley. After the said incident, Newsom faced an intense backlash, with critics accusing him of defying the stringent coronavirus measures he implemented.
https://t.co/vIAa2ETAAN “While coming down hard on California’s citizens, Democrat Newsom lived the life of privilege and was discovered dining maskless at a $1,200-per-person dinner party at a tony Napa Valley restaurant.”
— gail newman (@gail834) January 3, 2021
In recent months, Newsom has also come under heavy criticism on how he is handling the COVID-19 pandemic and California’s hard-hit economy. Due to this, his poll numbers dramatically dropped in recent surveys, with one poll showing a 46% drop to his approval rating.
In connection with the recall effort and as part of RNC’s investment, volunteers will call California residents and urge them to sign the petition.
Another well funded national Republican organization, the Republican Governors Association, is also closely pursuing the recall. The group has kept in touch with people who are working closely in the petitioning process. They also spoke with several potential candidates and has recently appointed a poll of a prospective race.
.@GOPChairwoman: “Gov. Newsom’s authoritarian measures, blatant overreach and complete mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic have proven that he is woefully unqualified to lead the state of CA. It is time the people use their constitutional recourse to remove him from power."
— Jeremy B. White, cat attorney JD (@JeremyBWhite) February 11, 2021
Meanwhile, RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel said, “Gov. Newsom’s authoritarian measures, blatant overreach, and complete mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic have proven that he is woefully unqualified to lead the state of California.” She continued, “It is time the people use their constitutional recourse to remove him from power.”
“That the RNC is even thinking about entering this is even more proof positive that it’s even past picking up steam. It’s inevitable [the recall will qualify] and is one of the most important items on the national political scene this year,” said Anne Dunsmore, a veteran California-based GOP operative who is helping to spearhead the recall push.
Gray Davis (D) served as the 37th Governor of California from 1999 to 2003. In 2003, only a few months into his second term, Davis was recalled and removed from office, the second state governor successfully recalled in U.S. history .@GavinNewsom will be the 3rd! #RecallGavinNow
— President Select Joe (@jamesldewitt) January 8, 2020
The only California gubernatorial recall took place in 2003 when then-Gov. Gray Davis was removed from office and replaced by Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican.
In case the recall qualify for the ballot, political observers stated that it would likely happen in November, with the ballot having two questions. First, whether it be an up or down vote to remove Gov. Newsom from office. Second, who should replace him.
If a majority of the voters in California support a recall, the candidate with the most number of votes on the second question on the ballot will become the new governor.
Should the recall qualify for the ballot, political observers say it would likely take place in November. The ballot would have two questions: the first, an up-or-down vote on whether to remove Newsom from office and the second being who should replace him. Should a majority of voters support a recall,, the candidate with the most votes on the second question on the ballot would become governor.
