As Signature Collection Ends, California Heads Toward Recall

Protesters carry a sign calling for a recall of California Gov. Gavin Newsom in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Nov. 21, 2020. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo

ROCKLIN, Calif.—A plodding, months-long review kicks off Wednesday to confirm what appears inevitable: California Gov. Gavin Newsom will face a recall election that could oust the Democrat before his first term ends.

The announcement Monday that Newsom was beginning to raise money to defend his seat seemed to confirm that he believes organizers behind the recall have collected sufficient petition signatures to place the proposal on the ballot.