Why Gavin Newsom Is Likely to Survive Recall Threat A recall campaign against California's governor will succeed in triggering an election. But the governor enjoys deep Democratic loyalty in a state that's overwhelmingly on the party's side. Alan Greenblatt, Senior Staff Writer | March 17, 2021 | Analysis Having served as governor of California for a little more than two years, Democrat Gavin Newsom has dealt with wildfires and floods, a budget that at one point last year fell more than $50 billion short and now is well into surplus and, of course, the coronavirus pandemic. It’s his handling of the pandemic that presents Newsom with his greatest political challenge. Organizers have until Wednesday to submit 1.5 million voter signatures to force a recall election. It looks like they will clear that hurdle easily.