Governor is confident in California recall contest

Significance

Newson has managed to have the election brought forward from November to September 14, but it risks becoming a major distraction for both himself and the state over the next two months amid an early wildfire season and rising COVID-19 numbers.

Impacts

• The fall in support for the state Republican party will accelerate if Newson can show unified backing from Democrats.
• Defeat would further alienate recall supporters in northern rural counties who already feel ignored by Sacramento.
• Running the recall will cost California several hundred million dollars, but the expense in smaller states would be lower.