Fate of California Gov. Gavin Newsom hangs on recall vote

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD and KATHLEEN RONAYNE
Associated Press

LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Californians are casting the last of the ballots that will decide whether Gov. Gavin Newsom continues to lead them or if the nation’s most populous state veers in a more conservative direction amid anger over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Newsom is leading in polls. He is only the fourth governor in U.S. history and the second in California to face a recall. He was elected in a landslide less than three years ago. The leading Republican candidate is conservative talk show host Larry Elder, who is seeking to become California’s first Black governor.