Newsom projected to survive recall prompted by voter anger over COVID restrictions

If a majority of voters vote "Yes" to recall the governor, then he'll be removed from office and the top vote-getter on the ballot's second question — about who should replace Newsom — will take over as the state's chief executive.

By Colton Salaz

Published: September 14, 2021 11:05pm

Updated: September 15, 2021 12:11am

With the polls closed in California, where Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is projected to survive a recall vote and retain his office.

The first returns showed the "No" (do not recall) vote leading the race with 61%.

Voters voted on two questions: "Yes" or "No" on whether to recall the governor, and who should replace him in the event of a majority favoring his recall.

Opinion polling prior to final voting in Tuesday's election showed the "No" vote leading the race by a substantial margin, in a state where Democrats hold a two-to-one registration advantage over Republicans.

This is a developing story.