California Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses reporters after beating back the recall attempt that aimed to remove him from office, at the John L. Burton California Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
California Governor Gavin Newsom says he’s “humbled and grateful” to those who voted to keep him in office. Speaking in Sacramento, the Democrat thanked the millions of voters who exercised their right and rejected the effort to get him out of office. Newsom argued Tuesday’s vote was also like saying yes to science, vaccines, diversity and more. NBC News projected Newsom has defeated the recall election and will finish out the remainder of his term.
Governor Newsom’s top Republican challenger, Larry Elder, didn’t wait long to concede defeat after yesterday’s recall election.
“Let’s be gracious in defeat,” said Elder. “We may have lost the battle but we are going to win the war.”
About two-thirds of voters elected to keep Newsom in office. Elder took 44% of the vote among candidates running to replace the Democrat.