New Recall Effort Targets Gov. Newsom, Citing California’s Rising Costs and Policies
A New Coalition Emerges
A newly formed coalition, Saving California, has announced its intent to serve Gov. Gavin Newsom with official recall papers, citing the state’s rising taxes, cost of living, ineffective emergency responses, and population decline.
Reasons for the Recall
According to Randy Economy, the group’s founder, Newsom’s policies have made living in California impossible for average people. He claims that under the governor’s rule, the state has seen increased costs of living, crime, drug use, and homelessness, as well as a decrease in professional and education standards, and the disappearance of billions of taxpayer dollars.
A History of Recall Attempts
This will be the eighth attempt to recall Newsom since he was elected. However, only one attempt, made in 2021, made it onto the statewide ballot as a response to his adoption of aggressive public health safety measures at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Newsom easily beat back the recall in 2021 after framing the contest with his opponent, conservative talk-show host Larry Elder, as part of the larger national ballot for progressive values and continued threats of “Trumpism.”
A New Approach
Economy emphasized that this recall attempt differs from the others because Californians have been “personally impacted” by Newsom’s policies. He also claimed that the governor is his own “worst enemy.” During a televised interview, Economy stated, “This is not just about politics; it’s about people’s lives and their families.”
A Response from the Governor’s Office
In a statement to KTLA, the governor’s office said Newsom is “focused on the fires and marshaling resources for the extensive recovery – not politics.” They also criticized the recall effort, saying, “Readers should have the context that the same group of far-right Trump acolytes have launched seven different recall attempts against the governor since he’s taken office, each of which has failed spectacularly. Even Republican Party leaders have criticized these repeated attempts as a brazen campaign finance ‘grift,’ and the recall organizers have been sued by their own donors for pocketing funds raised previously. For example, they didn’t even turn in a single signature in their last attempt.”
Next Steps
Saving California plans to hold a press conference on Thursday morning to announce its recall efforts officially. To qualify for the statewide ballot, a recall petition needs valid signatures equal to 12% of the turnout in the last governor’s election.
FAQs
* What is the reason for the recall effort?
The recall effort is due to the state’s rising taxes, cost of living, ineffective emergency responses, and population decline.
* How many attempts have been made to recall Gov. Newsom?
This will be the eighth attempt to recall Gov. Newsom since he was elected.
* What is the threshold to qualify for the statewide ballot?
A recall petition needs valid signatures equal to 12% of the turnout in the last governor’s election.
