Gavin Newsom defeats recall attempt in California | First Thing

California voters resoundingly reject choice to replace Democratic governor, plus comedian Norm Macdonald dies

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Good morning.

The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has prevailed in a recall election that had him battling for his political life. In a referendum on his leadership during the coronavirus pandemic, voters resoundingly rejected the choice to replace him with a Trumpian Republican.