Democrats worry over downfall of Cuomo, Newsom

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Democrats were scrambling about losing both Governors Andrew Cuomo (NY) and Gavin Newsom (CA.).
• The Republicans can potentially turn New York and California into red states.
• While Cuomo has already resigned, Newsom could still have the chance to remain in power.

Poised as potential Democratic presidential candidates last year, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and California Gov. Gavin Newsom could be both likely seen as political refugees next month.

Democrats are scrambling on the idea of losing two of their most prominent governors.

Cuomo ━ who has been accused of sexual harassment by over a dozen women ━ has already resigned and would likely face lawsuits and other criminal charges soon. Meanwhile, Newsom would be facing a gubernatorial recall vote on September 14, where he could be removed from his post.

If Newsom is renounced, it could totally demoralize Democrats who have been gaining strongholds in California for over two decades.If Newsom would be overthrown, the Republicans could use that as a leverage to lambast the Democratic style of governance.

“Don’t think for a second this isn’t also about 2022 and being able to hold the House. The consequences are profound,” Newsom said during a get-out-the-vote rally Monday. “A ‘no’ vote would be heard loud and clear, not only across this state, but across the country.”

Newsom and his supporters were embarking on a narrative that if he loses, the impact would go beyond California and it could hurt Democratic agendas across the country.

“If they get this state, they can weaponize it from a national meta-narrative, the impacts are profound for Chuck Schumer, for Nancy Pelosi, for President Biden,” he added.

Recently, the White House has been contemplating soliciting more funds to support Newsom. 

The governor announced Saturday that his office and Washington were fixing a schedule on when President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris could join his campaign.

Given the pending result of the recall, some Democrats were already worrying about potential domino effects in New Jersey and Virginia, the other Blue states which would also hold gubernatorial elections later this year. 

“Other than the Virginia governor’s race, this is the most important thing going on in the United States,’’ veteran Democratic strategist Garry South said, citing Newsom’s upcoming recall vote.

Newsom’s leading Republican candidate rival, Larry Elder, has already pledged that he would immediately remove all COVID-19 restrictions and convert California into a red state on COVID policies if Newsom loses.

According to Republican Governors Association spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez, both Newsom and Cuomo’s predicament could amplify a lasting message about “the larger failures of Democratic governors.”

Meanwhile, in New York, while Cuomo had already collapsed, the battle between the Democrats and Republicans is still on.

“For Republicans, it’s a very difficult place to compete, so it’s sometimes off the table as they look at allocating their resources,” New York Republican operative Dave Catalfamo said.

Source: POLITICO