New Poll: Talker Larry Elder Leads CA Race

Larry Elder

A new poll shows that talk radio host Larry Elder is leading in the crowded race to unseat Gov. Gavin Newsom — ahead of Caitlyn Jenner — in a recall election this September.

The NY Post reports Elder leads at 16% in a new Emerson College/Nexstar Media poll.

Elder, a 69-year-old Republican, is followed by businessman John Cox, at 6%, and former San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer, at 6%. California State Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, and Jenner are at 4% each, according to the poll.

Carl Jackson

The poll found that 48 percent of voters still want Newsom to remain in office but the number of people who want him out is increasing. Forty-three percent of people polled now say they will vote to recall Newsom — up from 38 percent in March. A majority of voters say they don’t know yet who they’d want if Newsom is booted from office.

Elder has a nationally syndicated talk show and is a frequent guest on Fox News. He calls himself the “Sage of South Central” on his website, a reference to where he grew up in LA.  While Elder is campaigning, Orlando-based talker Carl Jackson is guest hosting on the Salem Radio Network.

Former Fox News anchor and now podcaster Megyn Kelly is a fan, frequently tweeting out “LARRY!” on her feed.

Elder said Newsom’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic is why he decided to run.

“The arrogance of Gavin Newsom was crystalized by the way he handled this pandemic,” Elder told the Sacramento Observer Friday.

Elder says he’s not focusing on other candidates.

“The target is Newsom,” he said. “If he isn’t recalled, it doesn’t matter. I intend to be the person that you write down or you check off for who you want as a replacement when you recall this guy. He’s going.”