Gov. Gavin Newsom during a June press conference in Universal City, California. Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
California Gov. Gavin Newsom can't identify himself as a Democrat on the ballot in the upcoming recall election, a judge ruled on Monday.
Driving the news: Newsom filed a lawsuit against California Secretary of State Shirley Weber last month after he missed a deadline for the Sept. 14 election to state his political affiliation following a paperwork oversight.
- Weber said after Newsom asked her to amend the paperwork that the decision was a matter for a judge, per AP.
Details: Sacramento County Superior Court Judge James Arguelles said in his decision that circumstances "do not justify excuse from the deadline."
- The law "unambiguously precludes party information from appearing on a recall ballot where the elected officer fails timely to make the designation," the judge said.
What they're saying: Former Olympic decathlete and reality TV personality Caitlyn Jenner, one of Newsom's Republican challengers, tweeted after the ruling: "I am thrilled that the rule of law prevailed."
- A spokesperson for Newsom's campaign said Democrats were united behind the governor and he expected to see "this Republican recall" defeated, irrespective of the ruling, per the Los Angeles Times.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from Newsom's spokesperson and Jenner, as well as more context on the lawsuit.