Activists Gather 1.2 Million Signature in Bid to Recall Newsom

Activists collected 1.2 million signatures to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom over his handling the COVID-19 pandemic in California. To be placed on the ballot, the supporters of the recall need 300 thousand more signatures.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the activists have raised more than $1.7 million for their cause, calling Newsom’s leadership a “dramatic failure” that harms lives and livelihoods.

The ex-mayor of San Diego, Kevin Faulconer, stated that “people are at their wits’ end and they want to do something about it” and if the recall occurs, he would run for governor. 

The recall supporters opposed Gov. Newsom’s measure for shutting down schools and businesses to lower the COVID-19 siege in California, which has resulted in 3.1 million cases of infection and 37,121 deaths so far.

According to Gavin Newsom's political adviser Dan Newman, the recall effort was being led by Donald Trump’s supporters.

Gov. Newsom has been strongly criticized for his pandemic measures, and the anger against him was fueled even more after he attended a dinner at the high-end restaurant while urging Californians to stay at home. Several weeks after the dinner, the recall signatures had grown to nearly half a million.

The recall signatures news comes just when the state of California lifts its stay-at-home orders and restaurants are allowed to resume their outdoor operations.