LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California judge on Wednesday cleared the way for conservative talk radio host Larry Elder to join the field of candidates for an upcoming recall election aimed at removing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office.
Elder scored a swift court victory in Sacramento, where he challenged a decision by state election officials to block him from the September recall ballot.
In a tweet, Elder wrote, “Victory! My next one will be on Sept. 14 at the ballot box.”
He added: “This isn’t just a victory for me, but a victory for the people of California. And not just those who favor the recall and support me, but all voters, including many who will come to know me.”
Superior Court Judge Laurie M. Earl disagreed with a state decision that Elder failed to meet requirements to run in the election.
Under a new requirement, candidates for California governor must publicly release tax returns for the five most recent years to qualify for the ballot. The rule was passed in an effort by Democrats to force then-President Donald Trump to release his tax returns during the 2020 election. A court struck down the presidential requirement but left it in place for gubernatorial candidates.
But the judge determined the rule didn't apply to recall elections and, even if it did, Elder substantially complied.
"I don’t find that Mr. Elder was required to file tax returns at all," the judge said.
The ruling amounted to a rebuke for Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who was appointed by Newsom in December.
The election in the nation’s most populous state will be a marquee contest with national implications, watched closely as a barometer of the public mood heading toward the 2022 elections, when a closely divided Congress again will be in play.
Elder's court win also will be...
