Kamala Harris says she'll campaign for California Gov. Newsom in recall election

Vice President Kamala Harris told a reporter from the San Francisco Chronicle Wednesday that she is planning to campaign for California Gov. Gavin Newsom ahead of his recall election this fall.

Why it matters: Harris' support in the campaign would be a "significant step" from Democratic Party leaders to aid Newsom in the recall fight and could also prove to be a "strong fundraising draw," per the Chronicle.

State of play: Newsom's recall election is set for Sept. 14 and will be the second time in California history that a gubernatorial recall campaign has succeeded in getting on the ballot.

• The White House has previously expressed its support for Newsom and opposed the effort to recall him.
• Harris was asked whether she would campaign for Newsom and the vice president said "yes."
• Her office did not offer details about what form Harris' support would take, according to the Chronicle.

The big picture: The effort to recall Newsom gained speed after he was photographed last year at a dinner in Napa County as coronavirus cases surged and the state government restricted social gatherings.

• Harris, who previously served as attorney general of California before becoming one of the state's senators, has known Newsom for a long time.
• "Gavin and I go back to being elected at the same time in San Francisco, many, many years ago, and I’ll tell you, I’ve seen firsthand what a leader he is and how he really does put his heart into his work on behalf of the people of California,” Harris said in May, per the Los Angeles Times.