Democracy Dies in Darkness

Democrats confront a nightmare scenario in California recall

And one that, arguably, could be of their own making

Analysis by
Staff writer
August 20, 2021 at 1:48 p.m. EDT
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), right, and California State Parks District Superintendent Chris Spohrer, left, talk at Big Basin Redwoods State Park this week. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

Two very important things happened in the California recall election in recent weeks.

First, the polls have moved closer to even, suggesting that Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is suddenly in real jeopardy of being recalled.

And second, Newsom and the California Democratic Party have responded to that by doubling down on a dicey strategy they charted from the outset: getting supporters to avoid selecting a potential Democratic replacement.