A GOP governor would radically upend California. Here are 12 key issues at stake
California has long seen itself as a progressive leader on government policy — from the environment and immigration to criminal justice reform, workplace protections and regulation.
Not all of California’s innovations have worked. But many have become a model for the nation and sparked partisan battles. California became the center of the resistance to President Trump’s policies, filing scores of lawsuits to block his efforts at deregulation and other matters.
With his governorship beset by wildfires, homelessness and virus transmission, Newsom seeks to reframe the election as a vote on Republicans.
California’s approach goes back decades.
But if voters recall Gov. Gavin Newsom and replace him with a conservative Republican, so much could be upended. From taxation and environmental regulations to strict COVID-19 protocols, the GOP candidates vow major changes.
Such a shift would come at a pivotal moment for the state, as it tries to recover from the coronavirus pandemic while struggling with rising crime and the devastating effects of climate change: fires, rising sea levels and drought.
Here is a rundown of what the GOP field says about the big issues facing California as well as some analysis of what their positions would mean to California.
The issues
Criminal justice reform and crime victims
Coronavirus regulations and protections
Education, schools and COVID-19
This is what voters need to know about the Sept. 14 recall election.
The big picture
GOP candidates for governor would take California is a radical new direction
How California became a model for the Biden Administration
Meet all 46 candidates for governor and what they stand for
California strongly opposed Trump. But the GOP field loves him and his policies
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![[20060326 (LA/A20) -- STATING THE CASE: Marchers organized by unions, religious organizations and immigrants rights groups carry signs and chant in downtown L.A. "People are really upset that all the work they do, everything that they give to this nation, is ignored," said Angelica Salas of the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights. -- PHOTOGRAPHER: Photographs by Gina Ferazzi The Los Angeles Times] *** [Ferazzi, Gina -- - 109170.ME.0325.rights.12.GMF- Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times - Thousands of protesters march to city hall in downtown Los Angeles Saturday, March 25, 2006. They are protesting against House-passed HR 4437, an anti-immigration bill that opponents say will criminalize millions of immigrant families and anyone who comes into contact with them.]](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/722dda1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1983x1322+109+0/resize/840x560!/format/webp/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fzbk%2Fdamlat_images%2FLA%2FLA_PHOTO_ARCHIVE%2FSDOCS%2854%29%2Fkx3lslnc.JPG)
