This summer, Californians have been no strangers to the heat and more importantly, the phrases “Vote yes on the recall of Gavin Newsom!” and “Vote no on the Republican recall!”. Being only the second gubernatorial election in California history to take place, it is no surprise that this event has been in the headlines of the daily news.

The petitions for the recall began gaining traction late last year. The recall proponents cite increases in homelessness and crime, the early release of 20,000 prison inmates, and more than $11 billion in unemployment fraud as several of their major reasons for the recall. Additionally, many recall proponents are frustrated with the mask mandates and lockdown restrictions imposed during the pandemic. In response to the recall, Newsom claims that the recall election is an effort by the Republicans to restore their political power. His recall argument describes how the election of a Republican governor would turn around the progress made against Covid-19 and lead to the repeal of legislations, such as gun safety laws and accessible healthcare. Throughout his campaign, big Democratic names like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders have spoken out in support of Newsom; President Biden and V.P. Harris have also stated that they will participate in Newsom’s campaign.