California Gov. Gavin Newsom sued his state’s top elections chief to get his party affiliation on his recall ballot later in 2021.
The Democratic governor filed a lawsuit against his hand-picked Secretary of State Shirley Weber on Monday, claiming there was a mistake made while creating the paperwork for the recall ballot in 2020 that removed Newsom’s party affiliation.
GAVIN NEWSOM RECALL EFFORT MOVES FORWARD AFTER ENOUGH VERIFIED SIGNATURES SURVIVE WITHDRAWAL PROCESS
Weber has the authority to identify Newsom as a Democrat since a date has not been set for the election and she did not certify the recall, the lawsuit alleged.
“Petitioner is beneficially interested in ensuring that his party preference election appears on the recall ballot as provided in Elections Code section 11320 to ensure that voters are able to make a more informed choice when deciding how to vote in the upcoming recall election,” the filing reads.
Newsom’s challengers can reportedly opt to have their party preference on the ballot as they file their declarations to run.
State lawmakers passed a bill on Monday moving up Newsom’s recall date, which Democrats believe would benefit the governor.
The proposal, which is at Newsom’s desk for signature, would allow the recall to take place at least 30 days earlier than what exists under state law.
The earliest date for the election would likely be in September.
Newsom has faced the threat of recall over the past year, largely related to his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The governor enforced some of the strictest lockdowns in the nation throughout the pandemic.
Weber, who was appointed to state secretary in January, said on June 23 that the petition to recall Newsom exceeded 1.7 million signatures.
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Weber’s office confirmed there were enough signatures to trigger a recall election in April, though petitioners would be given 30 days to remove their name if they wish.
