California is facing a political storm as two of its top politicians, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, are the targets of recall petitions. While Bass’s recall petition seems to be gaining momentum, Newsom’s petition is struggling to gain traction.
The petitions were initiated in the aftermath of devastating wildfires that have been ravaging California. The petition to recall Governor Newsom, which was started recently, has only garnered about 27,000 signatures so far. However, in order to trigger a recall vote, it would require over 1 million signatures, equivalent to 12% of the voters who cast their ballots in the last gubernatorial election.
Newsom, who already survived a recall election in 2021, appears unlikely to face another one despite criticism of his leadership during the wildfires. On the other hand, Mayor Bass may be in hot water as the petition to recall her requires 10% of registered voters in L.A. city to sign, which is approximately 200,000 people. Currently, 108,000 people have signed the petition, halfway to the required benchmark.
The criticism of Bass has been mounting, especially from Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who accused her administration of inadequate funding for the fire department. Celebrities like Khloé Kardashian have publicly criticized Bass, calling her a “joke.”
While some celebrities like Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley are standing by the mayor, suggesting that race may be a factor in the criticism, others like Khloé Kardashian have been vocal in their disapproval.
The wildfires in L.A. have already claimed 16 lives and burned over 40,000 acres. The political fallout from the fires may ultimately cost Mayor Bass her job, as the recall petition gains momentum. It remains to be seen how the political landscape in California will unfold in the coming days.
