A new poll shows that likely voters in California are split on whether Governor Newsom should be replaced. According to a new UC Berkeley IGS poll co-sponsored by the Los Angeles times, 47% of likely California voters supported recalling Newsom And 50% who opposed removing Newsom from office - a difference just shy of the survey’s margin of error. Though Republicans account for only about a quarter of all registered voters in California, the poll found that they account for 33% of those most likely to cast ballots in the recall election. Democrats make up 46% of the state’s 22 million voters and “no party preference” voters 24%, but their share of the likely recall voters drops to 42% and 18% respectively.
There are over 40 candidates that will appear on the ballot for the September 14th special election. The strong emerging candidates are former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and reality star Caitlyn Jenner. Last-minute addition Larry Elder is rapidly gaining traction. The poll found Elder leading the field of those hoping to oust Newsom, although 40% of likely voters remain undecided. 18% of likely voters named Elder their first choice, with Faulconer and businessman John Cox, who lost to Newsom in 2018, each coming in with 10%. Counties are set to begin mailing all registered voters in the state a ballot by August 16.