In California’s political landscape, two prominent leaders find themselves facing the intense scrutiny of recall petitions. While one petition is gaining momentum and attracting significant public interest, the other is struggling to generate any substantial support at this early stage. This disparity underscores the varying levels of public dissatisfaction and political pressure that these officials are experiencing.

Amid the aftermath of devastating wildfires that have ravaged extensive areas of California, two notable petitions have emerged, calling for the removal of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom. These petitions reflect the growing frustration among constituents regarding the handling of the state’s environmental crises and the perceived lack of effective leadership during such critical times.

The recall petition targeting Governor Newsom is relatively new compared to the one aimed at Mayor Bass. Despite its recent launch, it is struggling to gain meaningful traction among voters. Launched yesterday, the petition has managed to collect approximately 27,000 signatures thus far, indicating a lukewarm response from the public regarding the governor’s performance amidst ongoing crises.

While 27,000 signatures may seem like a significant figure, it is important to note that to trigger a recall election, the petition must garner support from an equivalent of 12% of the total number of voters who participated in the last gubernatorial election. This means the petition needs to surpass one million signatures, highlighting the uphill battle that proponents of the recall are facing in their efforts to mobilize the electorate.

Given that Newsom successfully navigated a recall election in 2021, the likelihood of another successful recall seems slim at this moment. Despite the criticisms aimed at his leadership during the catastrophic wildfires, which have deeply affected the state, many voters may still recall his previous effectiveness and resilience in the face of political challenges.

In contrast, Mayor Bass may find herself in a more precarious position. To initiate a recall vote against her, approximately 10% of registered voters in Los Angeles need to sign the petition — translating to around 200,000 signatures. Currently, the count stands at 108,000, indicating that the recall effort is making strides and could potentially reach the necessary threshold if momentum continues.

This suggests that the petitions are halfway to meeting the recall threshold, although it remains unclear whether every individual who signed actually resides within the city limits. Nevertheless, the growing sentiment among the public, coupled with dissatisfaction regarding Mayor Bass’s responses to recent crises, has fueled the ongoing movements to hold her accountable.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has publicly criticized Mayor Bass’s administration for its inadequate funding of the fire department. During a recent press conference, Bass appeared to dismiss Crowley’s concerns, stating that they would discuss these matters privately at a later date. This has led to further questions about Bass’s commitment to addressing the urgent needs of the city’s emergency services.

Public frustration regarding Bass’s handling of the wildfires has also been echoed by various celebrities, including Khloé Kardashian, who openly labeled the mayor a “joke.” Such statements from high-profile individuals bring additional media attention to the growing discontent among residents, further intensifying the pressure on Bass to respond effectively to the ongoing crises.

In the face of mounting criticism, some celebrities, including Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley, have publicly expressed their support for Mayor Bass. They suggest that race may be influencing some of the backlash against her administration, highlighting the complexities of public perception in political matters, especially for women of color in leadership roles.