It’s Official: California Recalls Gov. Gavin Newsom

The circus is definitely coming to town as California recalls Governor Gavin Newsom. The California Secretary of State confirmed Wednesday that the petition to hold new elections for governor succeeded.

RELATED: California Braces For ‘Clown Car’ of Recall Candidates

California Recalls Newsom

In a statement issued Wednesday, California’s Office of the State Secretary confirmed the recall. It said that the petition achieved the “sufficient number of verified recall signatures” by April.

However, in accordance with California election law, the state gave voters a 30-day period from April 26 to June 8th to reconsider their position and request the removal of their signatures. 

The state validated more than 1.7 million signatures, which is 2 million more than the 1.5 million signature requirement. Now, the next step is asking the state department of Finance to estimate the costs of a special election.

They have enough time to assess the costs. However, the elections must happen within 90 days.

Holding Newsom Accountable

Meanwhile, State Assemblyman James Gallagher, a longtime Newsom critic, hailed the development as California recalls Newsom. “It's just been one thing after another with this governor and finally he's going to be held accountable,” he said. Gallagher previously sued the governor over the state's wildfire prevention efforts. 

“This hits really close to home for me. I represent Paradise, a town that was decimated by a wildfire in 2018. We have kept saying that we need to put more investment into fuel reduction.

These fuels have built up in our forests over the decades, mostly because we've got rid of any kind of forestry management in California. The governor keeps telling everybody that he's putting all kinds of money into wildfire prevention. And as it turns out, it's been a fraction of what he's been stating to the California public,” he said.

Free Trial For a New Governor

Even as California recalls Newsom, candidates began emerging from the woodwork. Kevin Paffrath, a Democrat California real estate agent, and social media personality is one of those gunning for the state capitol. “Here's an opportunity for Californians to pick a free-trial governor for a year,” he said.  

Californians are “better off trusting anybody than Gavin Newsom”.  With only a year left in Newsom’s term, state residents won’t have much to lose by trying out a new governor. “Unless, of course, we want to keep seeing billions of dollars going into a funnel and get wasted,” he said.

Republicans Challenging For The Governor’s Seat

Meanwhile, Republican candidate Major Williams, said Newsom “mishandled the pandemic”. Williams is the first Republican to announce his candidacy.

The Republican gallery of challengers also includes former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, businessman John Cox, and 1976 Olympic decathlon champion and TV personality Caitlyn Jenner.

“After years of incompetence under Gavin Newsom, Californians are ready for change,” Faulconer declared. “This movement – which is powered by Democrats, Republicans, and independents – is about rebuilding our economy, cleaning up our streets, and getting our kids back in school.

I am proud to lead this recall so we can begin the California Comeback for families across this state,” he added.

Watch the ABC7 News Bay Area report to find out more about California Gov. Newsom recall effort: Who is behind it, who signed it, and why:

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Do you support the recall campaign against Governor Gavin Newsom? With around a year left in his term, do you think it’s a good idea to get a replacement governor?

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