Apathetic voters could hand California recall to Republicans: ‘Folks seem unaware’

Gavin Newsom remains popular but Democrats appear far less likely than Republicans to vote in the election

When Gavin Newsom first elected governor of California in 2018, he captured a greater share of the vote than any other Democrat in state history. And he has remained broadly popular, despite a global pandemic, economic catastrophe, and a scandalously ill-timed visit to the Michelin-starred restaurant the French Laundry.

But with California's gubernatorial recall election under way, Newsom is fighting for his political life. The Democratic governor of a deep blue state could narrowly lose his seat to a fringe rightwing radio host - in large part due to inertia and apathy among voters.