According to a July poll conducted by the California Emerson College/Nexstar Media Group, Larry Elder has emerged as the leading candidate to unseat Gov. Gavin Newsom in the California recall election slated for September 14.
In detail: The poll shows that 48% of California voters would choose to keep Newsom in office, compared to 43% who would vote to oust him.
The crowded list of candidates vying to replace Newsom is led by Larry Elder (who 16% of voters say they would vote for if Newsom is recalled), ahead of businessman John Cox (6%), former San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer (6%), California Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (4%), media personality and former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner (4%), and social media influencer Kevin Paffrath (2%).
Elder’s remarks: Elder, a nationally syndicated talk show host, says he is not normally in favor of recalls, but Newsom’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic compelled him to join the recall election. “[W]hen someone has become so outrageous, sometimes something has to be done,” he said.
More specifically, Elder stated, “This man has presided over the most severe coronavirus lockdown in all 50 states. People lost their jobs, people lost their livelihoods, meanwhile his own private business kept open and his own kids remained in in-person private schools.”
Despite implementing one of the most aggressive policies to curtail the pandemic, Newsom himself was photographed late last year violating state limits on indoor gatherings, further enflaming his opponents.
“The arrogance of Gavin Newsom was crystalized by the way he handled this pandemic,” said Elder.
How we got here: Elder entered the race to unseat Newsom in the wake of his actions extending California’s eviction moratorium through September 30 and enacting a $5.2 billion rent relief program designed to cover residents’ back-rent accrued during the pandemic.
“Another whole year of not paying your rent? Who pays for that?” Elder said. “Money doesn’t grow on trees, We’re paying for that. He’s doing it because he’s afraid of being recalled.”
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