This month will mark a milestone in Golden State politics, as California reopens and legislative leaders work through what to do with a record state budget surplus.
Along with that, a recall election looms in the fall against Gov. Gavin Newsom.
As we move to the summer and shift toward recovery as the economy reopens, candidates could face some challenges as they look to succeed the first-term Democrat.
But Kevin Faulconer, former two-term Mayor of San Diego and a candidate for replacing the Governor on the recall ballot, looks forward with positivity in his campaign plan.
"I think that overcoming COVID-19 isn’t just about reopening; it’s about rebuilding and reforming," said Faulconer said. "That’s what my campaign is focused on, which is not just (about) getting our state back on track, but talking about the issues that I think matter the most to Californians."
Faulconer said that, while Gov. Gavin Newsom looks to gain in popularity as the state continues to experience relief from the ongoing pandemic, issues like homelessness and the full reopening of schools still looms, and which recall candidates hope to turn the spotlight on in order to gain momentum in their campaigns.
"I think one of our biggest issues as we get to the other side of COVID-19 - our state is too expensive," Faulconer said. "It’s just unaffordable to live here."
He added that if Calfornians want their children and future generations to be able to live in the Golden State, changes will have to take place - including a tax cut to the middle class and lowering other taxes on gasoline and beyond.
"Our state has a $75 billion surplus," Faulconer said. "I think it’s incredibly important that Californians actually get to keep more of their hard-earned money so that they can afford to stay here. And that’s what my administration will be centered on."
Faulconer said that, even though California is traditionally a majority "blue" state, he has confidence that a Republican can make a victory in the upcoming recall election.
"The issues that we’re talking about, I believe are common sense. It’s not about partisanship," Faulconer said.
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