(CNN) — Polls are now closed in California, and while CNN is not yet able to make a projection, the “no” vote — rejecting the removal of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom — has an early lead in CNN’s exit poll. If that lead holds, he will retain his job as governor of California.
Newsom’s team was projecting confidence as the finish line came into view Tuesday night, with one top adviser telling CNN they “could be headed for record turnout” in a statewide special election. That would be a clear advantage for the Democratic governor in this overwhelmingly blue state.
National Democrats are closely watching this race — the first major political contest since Democrats took full control of Washington last year — as a test of the party’s messaging on the pandemic ahead of next year’s midterms. “The eyes of the nation are on California,” President Joe Biden said when rallying for Newsom in Long Beach on Monday.
Article URL: https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/14/politics/gavin-newsom-california-recall/index.html