Our reporting is free for everyone, but it’s not free to make.
LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent.
Newsom Recall Effort Gains Momentum
File: California Gov. Gavin Newsom. (Courtesy Gov. Newsom's office)
The people behind an effort to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom say they only need 300,000 more signatures to get it on the ballot.
Proponents have until March 17 to gather the 1.5 million verified signatures to make it happen.
Anita Chabria is a Sacramento-based reporter for the L.A. Times. She told our newsroom's public affairs show, AirTalk, that the governor remains somewhat popular. But the longer the pandemic goes on, the more upset some people are getting:
"The governor is facing a lot of anger right now from people who are confused about vaccines, frustrated about schools, [and] angry about their business being shut down ... so there is a real populist frustration with the Governor right now."
But the movement could still be a major threat to the Democratic Governor. If enough signatures are gathered, the recall vote would likely happen in the Fall.
Only one California governor has ever been recalled — Democrat Gray Davis back in 2003. He was replaced by Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger.
You can listen to the full interview with Chabria and discussion of the recall effort here:
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.