Gavin Christopher Newsom (born October 10, 1967) is an American politician and businessman who is the 40th governor of California, serving since January 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 49th lieutenant governor of California from 2011 to 2019 and as the 42nd mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011.
Letters to the editor
Recall of Newsom is a political mistakeAs a refugee from the Democratic Party, I have some serious political disagreements with Governor Gavin Newsom.
However, I cannot go along with those like Carl DeMaio who support his recall ["Newsom recall backers race to meet March deadline," Political Notebook, February 4].
Why? Because for offices above city council and school board recalls almost always backfire. An incumbent — even a bad one — has fantastic fundraising abilities; lots of folks are grateful to an incumbent governor who has signed bills they support and made appointments they like.
The "extra " election produced by a recall usually is a fundraising bonanza for the incumbent. Also, the incumbent will get "sympathy" votes from many.
