Joe Biden Opposes Effort to Recall California Gov. Newsom

President Joe Biden opposes the ongoing effort to recall California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, the White House said Tuesday.

A group led by retired Yolo County Deputy Sheriff Orrin Heatlie said it had collected more than 1.3 million signatures in support of placing the issue on the ballot. With nearly 1.5 million signatures needed by March 17, the group added its goal was 2 million, per The Hill.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked about Biden's position on the recall effort at a press briefing. Several hours later, she tweeted:

"In addition to sharing a commitment to a range of issues with @GavinNewsom from addressing the climate crisis to getting the pandemic under control, @POTUS clearly opposes any effort to recall @GavinNewsom."

Heatlie's "Recall Gavin Newsom" coalition reportedly had raised $2.5 million, largely from prominent Republican donors who supported former President Donald Trump.

Newsom has faced intense criticism from California Republicans over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. His approval rating dropped from 64% in September to 46% in late January, according to a University of California-Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies survey.

Newsom is up for re-election in 2022 but had not said if he planned to seek a second term.

Although it appeared very possible to get enough signatures to put the recall measure on the ballot, recalling Newsom likely will be difficult in a blue state.

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