President Joe Biden urged Californians to keep Gov. Gavin Newsom in the office on Monday, the eve of a closely watched recall election that has worried Democrats and embolden Republicans as the nation continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newsom has won praise from many Californians over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, imposing aggressive measures early on, including mask mandates and stay-at-home orders.
Newsom on Monday cast the race as a crossroads for the state and championed his efforts to protect Californians from COVID-19, saying his administration would keep focused on racial, social and environmental justice.
If more than 50% of voters support a recall of Newsom, he will be removed from office and whoever has the most votes as his replacement will finish up his term, which is set to expire in early 2023.
The Associated Press found that it's possible that someone running to unseat Newsom could win with just 25% of the votes.
Polls held before the election show Newsom favoured to defeat Elder and become the state's first governor to survive a recall vote.
A recent poll found 60% of likely voters said they would keep him in the office while about 39% said they would vote to recall the governor.
