Staff

Ballots are in the mail out this week for what is a Republican-led recall election against California Governor Gavin Newsom and while Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly two-to-one, the biggest challenge may be getting them out to vote.  

In an unprecedented display of unity Black members of Congress led by Karen Bass, local elected officials led by Supervisor Holly Mitchell along with Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, and representatives of the California Legislative Black Caucus have organized themselves to oppose the September 14th Right Wing Recall. This dynamic group will focus specifically on ensuring Black voters turn out to vote, and vote ‘No’. 

For the first time in a generation, Black Los Angeles’ political leaders unanimously agree on how the Gubernatorial Recall will hurt Black people.  

“We’ve made so much progress in the last year toward a more equitable California. That’s why it was imperative all Black officials were clear in speaking with one voice about the dire implications of a Gubernatorial Recall,” said Senator Sydney Kamlager. 

“These recall proponents want a Republican Governor who’ll appoint Trump-approved judges, eliminate school funding, and undermine previous investments made at Charles Drew University, Martin Luther King Community Hospital, and CSU Dominguez Hills. Black Californians can’t afford a marginal radio host with far right ideas,” said Assemblyman Mike Gipson referring to leading Republican opponent Larry Elder.  

The unprecedented effort is being coordinated with one of the state’s longest standing civic empowerment organizations, the African American Voter Registration, Education, and Participation Project (AAVREP). The campaign will focus on African American voters in Los Angeles County and beyond who need to be informed about this important election.

“We are not leaving any voter behind” said Assemblyman Gipson.  

Polls show that the race is close. A recent UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll found that 47% of likely voters supported the recall with 50% against the move to recall Newsom.  

“We take nothing for granted. As ballots arrive, we want everyone to know to vote ‘NO,’ seal the ballot, and immediately return it in the mail. The postage is prepaid,” said Senator Kamlager. 

“Black voters are the front line of democracy and just as they saved American democracy on 2020, the same task is in front of this community in California in 2021.”