Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is urging Californians to vote against removing the state’s governor in the upcoming recall election.
In an ad released in support of Californa Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), Sanders said, “At this unprecedented moment in American history, when we’re trying to address the crisis of climate change, guarantee health care for all, and pass real immigration reform, the last thing we need is to have some right-wing Republican governor in California.”
“The September 14 recall of Gov. Newsom is a bold-faced Republican power grab. Don’t let it happen,” he added.
Watch the ad below:
The Vermont senator’s advertisement comes as Newsom is facing a tight recall election, according to polls.
RealClearPolitics’ average of recall polls finds a slight majority of voters support removing Newsom, as of August 12.
If more than 50% of California voters support the push to recall Newsom, he would have to step down. His replacement would be whoever receives the most votes of the candidates on the ballot.
As The New York Times notes, “49.9 percent of the voters can back Mr. Newsom, and he can still lose to someone who is supported by only, say, 20 percent of the electorate. On the replacement question, the winner does not need a majority to be named the next governor.”
According to RealClearPolitics’ average of polls for replacement candidates, conservative radio talk show host Larry Elder is the frontrunner in the race with an almost 11 point lead.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that Newsom’s aides have reached out to celebrities for donations and help to turn out the vote among Democrats to reject the recall push.
Singer John Legend tweeted, “Don’t DeSantis our California. Reject the ridiculous recall. Vote No and return your ballot by 9/11.”
And Vice President Kamala Harris was scheduled to campaign with Newsom. However, those plans were canceled after a bombing killed 13 U.S. service members in Kabul, Afghanistan.