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Significance

Two-thirds of those voting in the recall election on September 14 rejected the attempt to remove Newsom from office, but the result required a major effort to mobilise the Democratic base. The victory does not suggest that the party has an effective strategy for the 2022 midterm elections.

Impacts

The recall highlights that the escalating costs of US elections ensure that only those with deep funding can be competitive.

Local conditions enabled Newsom to run on policy competence but in other elections ideological positions will carry more weight.

With many voters under pressure to move away from traditional party loyalties, incumbents cannot take their support for granted.

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