President Joe Biden on Thursday called on Californians to vote against recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In a statement, Biden called Newsom "a key partner" on a host of issues, including fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
"He knows how to get the job done because he's been doing it," Biden said in a statement. "And to keep him on the job, registered California voters should vote no on the recall election by September 14 and keep moving California forward."
Biden’s backing comes following polls indicating the governor is in some danger of being recalled, with Republicans within the state more likely to vote next month than Democrats.
Over 50% of California voters would need to answer "yes" as to whether Newsom should be recalled in order for the state to elect a new governor. If a majority does so, then the candidate with the most votes – not necessarily a majority – on the second part of the ballot will succeed Newsom in the state’s highest office.
Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder is the leading replacement candidate, with support as high as 23% and as low as 10% in polls from last month compiled by CalMatters.
President Biden, meanwhile, earned over 63% of California votes in last November's election.
The president's statement is also the start of a wider push to keep Newsom in office. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will play "an active role" campaigning for the governor, a source familiar with the planning told KCBS Radio’s Doug Sovern.
That could include in-person appearances in the state, the source said. Harris had previously said she would campaign in person for Newsom.
Newsom will tour the state over the weekend, beginning Friday in San Francisco.
The city Department of Elections began mailing ballots for the recall on Wednesday, with some arriving hours before Biden’s statement. Every registered voter in the Bay Area and across the state is supposed to receive one no later than Aug. 16, 29 days before the election.
The last day to register to vote in time for the recall is Aug. 30, two weeks later.
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