As the dominoes stemming from a pandemic mishandling continue to tumble, California Governor Gavin Newsom is the latest victim. A campaign to recall Newsom gathered 1.6 million votes, which is more than enough to force a reelection. 1.5 million votes are required for recalls in the state.

In terms of meat and potatoes, the recall election likely happens next November. Before then, expect a series of procedural tasks to play out in preparation. As well, being California is home to celebrities, we may expect a circus.

The only way this doesn’t happen is if signed voters remove their names within 30 days. This would need to push the total votes below the 1.5 million signature threshhold. That’s not gonna happen, so let’s get ready to rumble.

This recall happens a year shy of a formal, traditional reelection for Newsom who’s up in 2022. But for those who signed on to the campaign, there’s no reason to wait. In fact, for them, this likely sends a message to all politicians who they feeled betrayed the state during the COVID-19 shutdowns.

One of the major influences in signature gathering seems to have centered around Newsom attending a birthday dinner after telling Californians to stay home. Such unsavory optics were just one example of many politicians not following their own lockdown restrictions.

Caitlyn Jenner To Run Against Newsom

Reality TV show star and former high-profile Olympian, Caitlyn Jenner, announced she’d run against Newsom prior to the sealed results. Jenner will be the most famous among a few names to run in this recall election, but she may also be his biggest threat.

Jenner will run as a Republican and in stark contrast to liberal messaging of a transphobic conservative party. Such contrast could put Newsom on his heels.

Last week, The View’s controversial host, Joy Behar, migendered Jenner. Jenner however, responded kindly accepting Behar’s apology and putting California’s needs first.

“Don’t sweat it, Joy Behar,” Jenner, 71, tweeted early on Saturday. “I’m not about cancel culture. I know where your heart is. California has bigger issues than pronouns.”

Cancel culture likely remains a central weakness for Democratic candidates, fair or unfair, and Jenner seems sharply focused on aligning herself with free speech. Its also worth noting her strategic placing of the people of California’s needs above her potential for being offended. Such a voice, combined with a likely incoming Conservative financial push, could serve as a major hurdle to Newsom’s reelection goals.

Its likely that today’s announcement formalizine the recall effort will spark Jenner to go full throttle and lend us further insights into her views and missions.

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