There are likely to be calls for Gov. Gavin Newsom to debate his top Republican challengers as the Sept. 14 election approaches. However, Newsom could face criticism whether he debates or not, according to Jessica Levinson, a political analyst at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.
"Showing up to a debate, on the one hand, it can look like he's giving it an air of legitimacy. On the other hand, you don't want to make it look like you're above answering your constituents’ questions," said Levinson.
Levinson does not think he will participate in any debates ahead of the recall.
"I tend to think he doesn't show and says, 'Sure, they can talk all they want, but I’m doing the business of governing for California.'"
Levison pointed to Newsom’s portrayal of those spearheading his recall a "fringe movement" as further evidence he will not participate.
In the 2003 recall, there was a debate among the top challengers, but then-Gov. Gray Davis did not debate any of his opponents.
The election successfully ousted Davis, a Democrat, in favor of Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Newsom faces an additional challenge ahead of the election. He won't be identified as a Democrat on the recall ballot.
Larry Gerston, a San Jose State University professor of political science, thinks losing the ability to label himself a Democrat matters to the governor.
"If it was so insignificant, why did [Newsom] sue his own secretary of state to reverse the fact that she would not include his party ID?" Gerston asked.
"It probably means a lot more to the governor than he’s letting on," he said.
A Superior Court judge ruled yesterday Governor Newsom can't designate his party affiliation on the ballot because he missed the deadline in early 2020.
Gerston called the mistake an "unforced error."
However, when it comes to funding, Newsom is far ahead of his challengers. He has raised more than $16 million that he can use to fight of his Republican opponents. Newsom's war chest money comes mostly from labor unions, big tech billionaires and real estate developers.
Additionally, the election's speedy timeline means any challengers will have limited time to make up the fundraising grab ahead of the Sept. 14 election date.