The effort to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom has gathered more than enough valid signatures to trigger a special election.
That was the word Monday from the office of California Secretary of State Shirley Weber.. A total of 1,626,042 signatures have been validated and only 1,495,709 valid signatures are required to trigger a recall election. More than 2,160,000 signatures were submitted statewide. In San Diego County 238,097 signatures were submitted with 75 percent or 156,869 signatures being validated.
A wide field of contenders has emerged this past year with recall backers, led by Republicans, who are strongly critical of Gov. Newsom's handling of the pandemic and other issues throughout the state, including taxes and being unfriendly to businesses. Already lined up to challenge Gov. Newsom for his seat: former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faucloner, local businessman John Cox, and — recently — Gold medal-winning Olympian Caitlyn Jenner.
It is expected that the special recall election is most likely to be held in November. Voters will be asked whether Newsom should be recalled and if he were to be, select one candidate on the ballot to replace him.
(Photo Getty Images)