KEVIN FAULCONER

(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File) (Rich Pedroncelli)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Six months after winning a recall election that could have ousted him from office, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is in an enviable position as he revs up a reelection campaign that could give him a second four-year term. Democratic candidates hold commanding advantages in liberal-leaning California. Newsom campaign spokesman Dan Newman expressed confidence. In the last two U.S. Senate races, the November ballot included only Democratic candidates after no GOP candidates finished second to earn a place in the general election.

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is in an enviable position as he heads into a reelection campaign.

California Republicans are looking ahead to 2022 races for Congress and the Legislature, after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom soundly defeated an attempt to remove him from office in a recall election.

California's long-suffering Republicans endured another embarrassing loss when Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom easily defeated an attempt to drive him from office.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom turned back a recall attempt by motivating fellow Democrats who showed little interest during much of the campaign.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has ably fended off Republicans' recall attempt.

California voters headed to the polls Tuesday to cast final ballots in an election focused on whether Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom should keep his job.

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has emphatically defeated a recall aimed at kicking him out of office.

The closely watched recall election that could remove California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office wraps up Tuesday.

President Joe Biden is putting the stakes of the recall election that could remove California Gov. Gavin Newsom from office in stark terms.

The closely watched recall election that could remove California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office wraps up Tuesday.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his Republican rivals are making their final pitches to voters as the recall against the governor winds to a close.

In two months, Larry Elder went from conservative talk radio host to leader of the Republican field in the California recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The recall election against California Gov. Gavin Newsom stems from two key events on a single day last November.

California Recall Vaccine FILE - In this April 1, 2021, file photo, Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary, California Health and Human Services, left, inoculates California Gov. The top GOP candidates –- Larry Elder, Kevin Faulconer, Kevin Kiley and John Cox –- say they’ve been vaccinated against the virus. Elder and the other GOP candidates have at times shared misinformation about coronavirus and the vaccines, or offered a wink to the anti-vaccine movement. All four GOP candidates have said they would roll back existing state mandates on vaccinations, but that may not have a significant effect. When it comes to vaccines, there are some distinctions in the four GOP candidates' approaches.

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has been attacking his Republican rivals as “anti-vax” as he looks to keep his job in a recall election.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing a recall election Sept. 14 that could remove him from office.

A Republican hasn't won a statewide election in heavily Democratic California in 15 years.

A Democratic governor in California shouldn’t be this close to defeat.

Democrat Kevin Paffrath joined three Republicans — John Cox, Kevin Faulconer and Kevin Kiley — in a recall debate.

If California voters recall Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, they could replace him with a 29-year-old YouTube star.

If Larry Elder is elected California governor in the Sept. 14 recall election, it could marginalize the state's GOP even more.

California Recall Elder FILE — In this July 12, 2021 file photo radio talk show host Larry Elder speaks during his show, in Burbank, Calif. Alexandra Datig, Elder's former fiancee said Thursday, Aug. 19 that Elder, a candidate for governor in the Sept. 14 recall election, once displayed a gun to her during a heated argument in 2015. On Thursday night, hours after the story broke, three of Elder's Republican rivals debated and the issue never came up. Sean Walsh, a lawyer and Republican who was Schwarzenegger’s press secretary during the 2003 recall, said he doubted Elder would suffer much fallout. She claims Elder showed her a gun during a heated 2015 argument; Elder denies he ever brandished a gun at anyone. Rob Stutzman, who was communications director for Schwarzenegger during the 2003 recall, said he doesn’t see the allegations against Elder as similar to Schwarzenegger.

A day after facing allegations that he emotionally mistreated a former fiancee, Republican Larry Elder scheduled two weekend rallies and showed no outward signs of altering the course of his campaign in the California recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing a recall election Sept. 14 that could remove him from office.

The biggest threat to Gov. Gavin Newsom aren't the recall candidates. It's voters who may skip this election altogether.

I know it's my civic duty to vote. But there was simply no one I could support.

I know it's my civic duty to vote. But there was simply no one I could support.

California Recall Faulconer FILE - In this Feb. 2, 2021, file photo, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer speaks during a news conference in the San Pedro section of Los Angeles. Faulconer’s victories in San Diego had some in the GOP pushing him to run for governor in 2018 but he said he wanted to finish his term as mayor. Gil Cabrera, former chairman of the San Diego Convention Center’s board of directors, worked alongside Faulconer on efforts to expand the center, which remain stalled. If the recall doesn't succeed, Faulconer has said he plans to run in 2022, when Newsom is up for reelection. Associated Press reporter Julie Watson contributed from San Diego.

California Republicans have long viewed Kevin Faulconer as someone moderate enough to win back the governor's office in the heavily Democratic state.

Caitlyn Jenner kicked off a monthlong recall campaign tour by raising new questions about her motive for launching her bid to become California’s next governor.

Last week's debate between contenders in the gubernatorial recall election was missing the front-runner among the candidates seeking to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom: Larry Elder. Those who did show up to compete made no big mistakes, writes columnist George Skelton.

The California Republican Party has decided not to endorse one candidate in the recall election that could result in the ouster of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

California Newsom California Gov. (Watchara Phomicinda/The Orange County Register via AP) (Watchara Phomicinda)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — The California Republican Party voted overwhelmingly Saturday not to endorse any candidate in the looming recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office, sidestepping a potentially nasty fight over a GOP favorite that threatened to divide Republicans and depress turnout in the nationally watched race. Two of the state party’s most powerful figures –- Republican National Committee members Harmeet Dhillon and Shawn Steel -– earlier helped set the stage for an endorsement vote. In a statement Saturday, Cox praised the delegates' decision, adding that “the Republican Party must be united to recall Gavin Newsom.

California Republicans have sidestepped a potentially nasty fight over endorsing a candidate in the state's upcoming recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

California Recall From left, Republican candidates for California Governor John Cox, Kevin Faulconer, Kevin Kiley and Doug Ose participate in a debate at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in Yorba Linda, Calif. California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a September recall election, raising $4.5 million for his campaign in just 19 days and rapidly eclipsing prominent rivals, government records showed Friday. Meanwhile, two powerful California Republicans urged members of the state GOP Friday to withhold an endorsement in the upcoming election. The California Republican Party has been squabbling over whether to anoint a single candidate with its stamp of approval from the large field of contenders. In the recall election, voters will be asked two questions: First, should Newsom be removed, yes or no?

California Recall From left, Republican candidates for California Governor John Cox, Kevin Faulconer, Kevin Kiley and Doug Ose participate in a debate at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in Yorba Linda, Calif. California Gov. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Two powerful California Republicans urged members of the state GOP Friday to withhold an endorsement in the upcoming recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. With a large field of GOP contenders, they said in the email that the party shouldn’t risk discouraging voters whose favorite candidates might get snubbed. Earlier, the conservative Cox accused party insiders of trying to steer the endorsement to Faulconer, a centrist. In the recall election, voters will be asked two questions: First, should Newsom be removed, yes or no?

Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder is putting on a display of fundraising strength in his bid to become California's next governor.

Two powerful California Republicans urged members of the state GOP Friday to withhold an endorsement in the upcoming recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office. The California Republican Party has been squabbling over whether to anoint a single candidate with its stamp of approval from among a large field of contenders that includes conservative talk radio host Larry Elder, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, businessman John Cox and former Olympian and reality TV personality Caitlyn Jenner. In an email obtained by The Associated Press dated Friday, Republican National Committee members Harmeet Dhillon and Shawn Steel urged party delegates not to endorse a candidate in their scheduled meeting Saturday.

Four Republican candidates skirmished in their first debate as they head toward California's Sept. 14 recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office.

The next test for Republican candidates who hope to oust Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in a September recall election comes this weekend with a fight over a coveted endorsement by the California Republican Party.

Project Homekey is set for a massive expansion in California.

The 110-year-old recall rules are showing their age and need updating. Most Californians agree.

Republicans are facing tough odds of ousting liberal Gov. Gavin Newsom in a recall election in heavily Democratic California.

California Republicans see a chance of ousting embattled Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in a September recall election.

The election is scheduled to take place Sept. 14.

California's recall ballot is finally set, but the state Republican party is still determining its best strategy for winning back the governor's office in one of the nation's most Democratic states.

Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder will be a candidate in California’s upcoming recall election aimed at removing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office.

A California judge on Wednesday cleared the way for conservative talk radio host Larry Elder to join the field of candidates for an upcoming recall election aimed at removing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office. Elder scored a swift court victory in Sacramento, where he challenged a decision by state election officials to block him from the September recall ballot.

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder will be a candidate in California’s upcoming recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. Elder scored a swift court victory in Sacramento, where he challenged a decision by state election officials to block him from the ballot. Superior Court Judge Laurie M. Earl disagreed with a state decision that Elder failed to meet requirements to file recent tax returns. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder is headed to court Wednesday in hopes of becoming a candidate in California’s upcoming recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. “I’ve complied with everything the law requires of me to run in this recall election,” Elder tweeted.

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)SACRAMENTO, Calif. — (AP) — The official list of who's running in California's recall election of Democratic Gov. Several other candidates have not yet filed their 2020 tax returns so they only submitted four year's worth of returns. “Politicians know I'm the only candidate who will beat Gavin Newsom — and that's why they don't want me on the ballot,” Elder wrote on Twitter. Paffrath said he plans to sue after he was denied being allowed to list himself as Kevin “Meet Kevin” Paffrath on the ballot. He noted another candidate was cleared to run as Chauncey “Slim” Killens, who lists himself as a retired correctional officer.

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)SACRAMENTO, Calif. — (AP) — The official list of who's running in California's recall election of Democratic Gov. Each candidate is listed with a job title or other descriptor, but they are not allowed to use the word “former." Paffrath said he plans to sue after he was denied being allowed to list himself as Kevin “Meet Kevin" Paffrath on the ballot, which includes his YouTube name. He noted another candidate was cleared to run as Chauncey “Slim” Killens, who lists himself as a retired correctional officer. - Kevin Kiley, 36, is a Republican state assemblyman from the Sacramento area who emerged as a favorite among GOP volunteers who gathered petition signatures for the recall.

Larry Elder wants to know why he isn't included. Others are fighting to have their name appear on ballot a certain way. Final list is out Wednesday.

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)SACRAMENTO, Calif. — (AP) — The official list of who's running in California's recall election of Democratic Gov. Dresner did not answer whether Elder still had a chance to be included on the final list of candidates set for release Wednesday. The list of 41 candidates released Saturday by the state lacked the panache of the more than 100 candidates who ran in California's last recall of a governor in 2003. With numerous candidates and no clear front-runner, it’s possible the someone could win with less than 25% of the votes. - Kevin Kiley, 36, is a Republican state assemblyman from the Sacramento area who emerged as a favorite among GOP volunteers who gathered petition signatures for the recall.

The list of candidates running in California's recall election of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom includes 41 people but remains unsettled.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and two leading Republican rivals in the California recall election painted disparate pictures of the nation’s most populous state, with the first-term Democrat describing it Tuesday as an economic powerhouse leading the country’s pandemic recovery and his opponents saying it’s a mismanaged state with an incompetent leader. Newsom, who could be removed from office in the Sept. 14 election, headed to a heavily Latino neighborhood east of downtown Los Angeles to tout his new state budget, which doles out billions of dollars for pandemic relief checks and payments to cover missed rent. “Los Angeles County will anchor the ‘no' on the recall," declared Ron Herrera, president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, which represents 800,000 workers.

Caitlyn Jenner has held her first news conference as a Republican candidate for California governor.

Caitlyn Jenner held her first news conference Friday as a Republican candidate for California governor, 77 days after announcing she was entering a recall election that could remove first-term Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Meeting with reporters for just under 15 minutes, Jenner said she is a serious candidate in the Sept. 14 election and asserted she is leading the field of Republican candidates, even though no independent polling has been done that shows that. Jenner, who won the Olympic decathlon in 1976 and decades later became a reality TV personality and came out as a transgender woman, said she is better known than any other GOP candidate and even Newsom, who has been in office more than two years.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing a recall election Sept. 14 that could remove him from office.

California has scheduled a Sept. 14 recall election that could oust Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office.

The campaign has been largely driven by anger over state coronavirus orders that shuttered schools and businesses and upended life for millions of Californians.

California has scheduled a Sept. 14 recall election that could oust Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office.

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to make sure Californians know about the cash payments and prize money he's doling out as the scheduling of a recall election date looms.

California officials announced six weeks ago that Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom would face an almost certain recall election.

Five more California counties will move to less restrictive tiers because of improving COVID-19 conditions and no counties regressed.

California Recall FILE - In this Tuesday, May 11, 2021, file photo, California Gov. A fading coronavirus crisis and an astounding windfall of tax dollars have reshuffled California's emerging recall election, allowing Democratic Gov. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — A fading coronavirus crisis and an astounding windfall of tax dollars have reshuffled California’s emerging recall election, allowing Democratic Gov. The leading GOP candidates in the race start at a disadvantage in heavily Democratic California, where registered Democrats outnumber GOP voters by nearly 2-to-1. A Republican candidate hasn’t won a statewide race since 2006, when Arnold Schwarzenegger won re-election after gaining office in a recall election.

California Recall FILE - In this Tuesday, May 11, 2021, file photo, California Gov. A fading coronavirus crisis and an astounding windfall of tax dollars have reshuffled California's emerging recall election, allowing Democratic Gov. California badly trailed other states in getting children back into classrooms, a reality Republicans repeat at every turn. The leading GOP candidates in the race start at a disadvantage in heavily Democratic California, where registered Democrats outnumber GOP voters by nearly 2-to-1. A Republican candidate hasn’t won a statewide race since 2006, when Arnold Schwarzenegger won re-election after gaining office in a recall election.

California’s Gavin Newsom is showing why it’s tough to unseat an incumbent governor.

Faulconer announced Wednesday, May 12, 2021, that he wants to eliminate state income tax for some low- and middle-income people if he's elected. A governor has limited power to reduce taxes unilaterally, so Faulconer would need approval from the state Legislature to enact his plan. Under Faulconer's plan, there would be a 0% marginal income tax rate on the first $50,000 in income for individuals and $100,000 for households. That means people making those amounts or less wouldn't pay state income tax, while those making up to $1 million would see a low effective tax rate. Cox will release his own tax cut plan soon, said spokesman Anthony Ramirez.

Republican Kevin Faulconer wants to eliminate state income taxes for households making up to $100,000 as part of a proposal to make California more affordable for the middle class.

How new election rules would have changed the 2020 race, the Virginia GOP picks its 2021 ticket, and the policing debate spills over in New Mexico.

Gavin Newsom, as part of a broader pandemic recovery plan made possible by an eye-popping $75 billion budget surplus. Households making up to $75,000 with at least one child, including immigrants in the country illegally who file taxes, would get an extra $500 payment. He'll be rolling out details of the plan all week ahead of releasing his revised state budget. “Californians need permanent, real tax relief, not just one-time stimulus checks," Faulconer, the former San Diego mayor, said in a statement. Immigrants making up to $75,000 who file taxes, including those also living in the country illegally, also got the check.

Caitlyn Jenner's Republican campaign for California governor has elicited angry reaction from some members of the LGBTQ community.

Caitlyn Jenner's Republican campaign for California governor has elicited angry reaction from some members of the LGBTQ community.

Caitlyn Jenner is continuing the slow rollout of her campaign for California governor with an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is winning support from top Democrats including Vice President Kamala Harris as he prepares to face a recall election later this year.

Caitlyn Jenner announced her candidacy for California governor last week but has yet to speak publicly about her campaign.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s critics almost certainly have qualified a recall election for the ballot, a remarkable feat in the heavily Democratic state.

Caitlyn Jenner is considering a run for California governor.

California is turning to a simpler, statewide approach as it prepares to lift most pandemic restrictions on businesses and workplaces by June 15.

Latino voters who have been hard hit by the pandemic could be a key group of voters in Newsom's potential recall election. “If they're successful in doing that then certainly the Latino vote could be persuaded to vote for the recall," Alvarado said. “Latino voters are incredibly important to our campaign, to Kevin personally, and to our pathway to victory,” he said. He said the campaign is partnering with community-based organizations that understand the diversity within California’s Latino communities and deploying surrogates to speak around the state. For both sides, the key will be to connect their outreach to Latino voters’ individual experiences, she said.

Newsom is facing the possibility that he could be removed by voters in a recall election later this year, in the midst of his four-year term. Gavin Newsom is facing the possibility that he could be removed by voters in a recall election in the midst of his four-year term. Here’s how it works:WHAT IS A RECALL ELECTION? Unpopular Democratic Gov. The second question would be a list of replacement candidates to choose from, if voters recall the governor.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer told CNBC on Friday he believes people are following the city's new rules for beaches, calling it a positive sign as California seeks to ease up on coronavirus-related restrictions. "I was out there on the beaches myself last week with our lifeguards. To see that compliance I think bodes extremely well for when we start to reopen our businesses," Faulconer said on "Squawk Alley." San Diego beaches were reopened last week with restrictions, following weeks after closures in order to slow the spread of Covid-19. According to a report in the San Diego Union-Tribune on Saturday, most beachgoers were obliging with the restrictions on sitting or standing around.