Vice President Kamala Harris stands with Gavin Newsom during a campaign event against his recall election. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Vice President Harris attended a Bay Area campaign event Wednesday in support of California Gov. Gavin Newsom ahead of next week's recall election.
Why it matters: The Tuesday election will be only the second time in California history that a gubernatorial recall campaign has succeeded in getting on the ballot. Newsom, a Democrat, is facing challenges from numerous candidates, including conservative talk radio host Larry Elder.
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.
- Newsom has also been criticized for reportedly misleading the public about the progress his office made in shoring up wildfire prevention.
- Harris, who previously served as attorney general of California before becoming one of the state's senators, has known Newsom for a long time.
What they're saying: Newsom told supporters that "our principles, our values, are on the ballot" and warned that Elder would be sworn in as governor if the recall effort succeeded.
- Newsom slammed Elder's positions on climate change, reproductive rights, voting rights and anti-immigrant sentiments.
- Harris said Newsom understood the "plight of working people" and praised his stances on a number of issues including paid family leave, unions and women's rights.
- She praised Newsom's "vision" and "courage" and called the recall effort a "political game."
Of note: Harris also warned that the effort to recall Newsom was about a "whole lot more" than just California, and that it would be replicated by Republicans around the country if successful.
- "They think if they can win in California, they can do this anywhere. Well, we will show them — you're not going to get this done. Not here, never."