A Republican-led drive to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, will go to a special vote on Sept. 14, the lieutenant governor declared on Thursday, shortly after the state’s top election official certified the recall petition.
The race to oust Newsom 2-1/2 years into his four-year term is shaping up to be chaotic, as several high-profile Republicans – including transgender celebrity Caitlyn Jenner – have said they will run to replace him.
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis said in a statement that a special election would be held on Sept. 14 to determine “whether Gavin Newsom, Governor of the State of California, shall be recalled, and if the majority vote on the question is to recall, to elect a successor.”
In California, a recall – a process by which elected officials or judges can be removed from office before the end of their terms – entails a two-part ballot. Voters decide whether they want to remove the sitting governor and then on the same ballot choose a replacement.
