California Governor Gavin Newsom , along with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass , has faced widespread criticism over his handling of the catastrophic wildfires ravaging the state. He is facing mounting scrutiny over wildfire preparedness and resource management, with critics pointing to issues such as vegetation control, water supply strategies, and fire department funding. The backlash has fueled speculation of a potential recall effort , as political opponents move to capitalize on public frustration. Newsweek writers weigh in on whether the prominent Democrat should face recall.
Darvio Morrow—Yes
Over 10,000 buildings in Pacific Palisades have been destroyed. 95 percent of the neighborhood is gone . It is unacceptable in the 21st century for the richest state in the richest nation on earth to allow that level of devastation. And make no mistake, it was allowed. The sheer incompetence of every elected official involved is a disgrace. It will take years to rebuild. Altadena, a place that historically had Black working class residents, has already seen its Black population drop in recent years. Now, the neighborhood, one of the few affordable ones left in California, is under a threat of gentrification before the smoke has even cleared. This is one of the most legitimate reasons to recall a governor that I have ever seen. For sheer incompetence alone, Gavin Newsom should go.
Darvio Morrow is CEO of The FCB Radio Network and co-host of The Outlaws Radio Show
Doug Gordon – No
Deadly and costly wildfires existed before Gavin Newsom became Governor of California and they will exist long after his term ends. In fact, all available science says they will get worse due to the climate crisis. But as is often the case, many do not want to let facts get in the way of a good political argument. The push by Republicans to scapegoat Gavin Newsom has nothing to do with the fires – or his response. It is about two things; one, for the first time ever they want to make disaster relief come with conditions and blaming Newsom serves a convenient crutch for their diabolical plan. Second, Republicans view Newsom as a viable 2028 candidate, and they want to take him out before he can even start his campaign. What the people of Los Angeles – many who have lost everything – need is help and relief, not more political games.
Doug Gordon is a Democratic strategist and cofounder of UpShift Strategies
Eric Schmeltzer – No
As sure as traffic on the 405, here come Republicans again, looking to make a grift off another recall campaign against a Democrat. The colossal waste of time and money fills the coffers of the consultants and organizers and forces elected officials to take time away from their jobs to campaign when they ought not to have to campaign. It’s a lose-lose for everyone involved – except said consultants. Once again, Gavin Newsom may have to campaign on his way to defeating the effort easily, instead of being 100 percent focused on rebuilding the Los Angeles area and continuing to handle the fifth largest economy on the planet. Meanwhile, Southern California’s climate continues to ping-pong between unseasonably wet conditions, which grow vegetation and unseasonably dry conditions which dry all that out into fire fuel. Rather than address the real force multiplier behind this latest fire, and avoid a climate apocalypse, Republicans would rather make a quick buck off a recall gimmick. No wonder they barely win elections in the Golden State anymore…