2021 Newsom Recall Guide

On September 14, California voters will be asked to judge Gavin Newsom’s performance as Governor in a recall election. This will be the second Gubernatorial recall election in California history, and the fourth in US history.

Families for San Francisco has created this guide on the recall process and on the candidates to replace Governor Newsom.

Recall Process

Proponents of any recall must gather signatures from registered voters within 160 days (this amount of time was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic to be 280 days for this recall by the Sacramento County Superior Court). The amount of signatures required to trigger a recall election is 12% of how many votes were cast in the last election.

On April 26, California Secretary of State Shirley Webber announced that the recall petition had gathered enough valid signatures to qualify. Signers then had 30 days to withdraw their signatures, with 43 doing so. Webber confirmed that there were still enough valid signatures, and then informed Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who had the duty to decide when the election would take place.

On July 1, it was announced that the recall election would take place on September 14. 

What Your Ballot Will Look Like

Every California voter will be mailed a ballot, around August 16, which will contain two questions:

1. Should Gavin Newsom be recalled (removed) as Governor?

This vote will decide whether or not Newsom is removed as Governor. There will be two options: ‘Yes’ for Newsome to be removed and ‘No’ for Newsom not to be removed. A simple majority will decide the question.

2. If Gavin Newsom is removed, who should replace him?

This vote will decide who, in the case of a majority voting to remove Newsom, will become the Governor for the remainder of the term (until January of 2023). Everyone, no matter what their vote was on the first question, or even if they voted on the first question, can vote on the second question. You will have one vote for a replacement, whichever candidate gets the most votes will win. Regardless of the vote on this question, if a majority of votes are against recalling Newsom on the first question, he will not be replaced.

Candidates to Replace 

46 candidates will appear on the ballot to replace Governor Newsom. The following individuals are considered the major candidates on the second question on the ballot:

John Cox (Republican)

Cox is a businessman in Rancho Santa Fe who ran for Governor in 2018 against Gavin Newsom. Cox came in second in the top-two primary for Governor, and lost to Newsom in the general election. Cox is considered a conservative Republican and calls himself a political “outsider.” His main issues are homelessness, cutting taxes, and reopening the economy. Former President Donald Trump endorsed him in the 2018 election.

Caitlyn Jenner (Republican)

Jenner is a reality TV star, socialite, and former Olympian. Her main issues are cutting regulations, leading the COVID recovery, and addressing the affordable housing crisis.

Doug Ose (Republican)

Ose is a businessman and former US Representative, who represented California’s 3rd District from 1999 to 2005. He lives with his family in Sacramento County. Ose had considered a run for Governor in 2018, but ultimately withdrew from the race. He has campaigned on the message that “California Needs New Leadership” and his main issues are quickly reopening businesses and education policy.

Kevin Faulconer (Republican)

Faulconer was Mayor of San Diego from 2014 to 2020. Before serving as Mayor, he sat on the San Diego city council. Faulconer is generally considered a moderate Republican, with his key issues in the race being public safety, reforming the Employment Development Department (EDD), and reducing homelessness. Critics of Faulconer often point out his connections to former President Donald Trump, who he supported and voted for in 2016 and 2020. 

Kevin Paffrath (Democratic)

Paffrath is a landlord, real estate broker, and YouTuber in Ventura. His main issues are ending homelessness within 60 days, reducing crime through community policing, and creating “Future Schools.”

Kevin Kiley (Republican)

Kiley is a member of the California State Assembly, representing the 6th District. He has served in this position since late 2016. Kiley, along with Assemblymember James Gallagher, sued Governor Gavin Newsom in June 2020 arguing that Newsom had abused his emergency powers. His main issues are reopening and a school vouchers program.

Larry Elder (Republican)

Elder is a talk radio show host and writer. His show, “The Larry Elder Show,” is played across the nation. Elder is generally considered conservative and libertarian.

Ted Gaines (Republican)

Gaines is a member of the California Board of Equalization, representing District 1. From 2011 to 2019, he served as a State Senator representing the 1st District. Gaines lives in El Dorado Hills with his family. His priorities are opposing tax increases, public safety, and housing.

Patrick Kilpatrick (Democratic)

Kilpatrick is an actor, director, and screenwriter who has appeared in over 180 films and TV shows. Kilpatrick is running as a “common-sense Democrat” and his main priorities are bringing the film industry back to California, increasing funding for education, lowering taxes, and public safety.