AP Photo/Evan Vucci
- Conservative radio host and Trump loyalist Larry Elder is Gavin Newsom's main opponent in the upcoming recall election.
- At a rally Monday night, Newsom criticized Elder's views on climate change, racism, taxes, and abortion.
- Biden called Newsom one of the "best governors in the country."
- See more stories on Insider's business page.
On his first trip to the West Coast since his election, President Joe Biden implored attendees of a rally in Long Beach to vote no in the upcoming California recall election against Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Newsom introduced the president at the rally on Monday night and mentioned several controversies surrounding his main opponent, conservative radio host and Trump loyalist Larry Elder. Newsom also criticized Elder's views on climate change, racism, taxes, and abortion.
"You saw what happened in Texas, and the fact that we have other Republican governors that hope to model that Texas legislation as it relates to denying women the right to choice," Newsom said. "We may have defeated Donald Trump, but we have not defeated Trumpism; Trumpism is still on the ballot in California."
Biden took the stage and endorsed Newsom as one of the "best governors in the country," while dubbing Elder a "Trump clone." He listed several reasons to keep Newsom as governor, including his respect for women, belief in climate change, and respect for scientific guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The eyes of the nation are on California because the decision you're about to make isn't just going to have a huge impact on California. It's going to reverberate around the nation, and quite frankly – not a joke – around the world," Biden said.
California's recall election for governor is set for September 14. If more than 50% of voters vote "yes" to recalling Newsom, he will be replaced by the opposing candidate who garners the most support. In the event that he is recalled, county officials would have 30 days to count votes and on the 38th day, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber would certify the election results.