The effort to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom is heating up, just 10 weeks before voters head to the polls.
According to a survey released Tuesday by UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, 47 percent of likely voters say they would back the recall effort, while 50 percent say they’re opposed, per The Hill.
Among registered voters, just 36 percent back removing Newsom from office. However, enthusiasm among recall supporters is growing.
Republicans “are confident that they can turn out the governor,” polling director Mark DiCamillo said. “I think the Newsom campaign really has to light a fire among the democrats and say, ‘look, the outcome is in jeopardy unless you get out there and vote.’”
“This poll should be a wake-up call for democratic voters and all those who don’t want to see a Trump republican become governor of California,” Nathan Click, a spokesman for Newsom, said. “In a normal election, this republican recall wouldn’t have a snowball’s chance in Death Valley. Californians don’t want a republican takeover of our state, but if democrats don’t vote, that’s what could happen.”
As reported by The Hill, the Berkeley poll showed conservative talk radio host Larry Elder, who joined the field at the last minute, leading the way with 18 percent of the vote. Businessman John Cox (R), who lost to Newsom in 2018, and former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer (R) are tied at 10 percent. Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (R) takes 5 percent, and YouTube star Kevin Paffrath (D) and reality television personality Caitlyn Jenner (R) each stand at 3 percent.
