Newsom Could Be Replaced by Candidate with Fewer Votes

“For weeks, legal scholars have debated whether the recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom could be found unconstitutional if Newsom failed to realize a “no recall” majority of the ballots cast and was ousted by a candidate who received fewer votes than he did,” the Los Angeles Times reports.

“Although it’s impossible to predict how courts will rule, many experts say the current recall process has long survived legal challenges, and probably would again, even if a fringe candidate won on Sept. 14 and became governor with a minority of overall votes.”

If that happens, the state legislature could impeach the replacement candidate — likely conservative talk show host Larry Elder (R), according to polls — which would make Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis (D) the new governor.