Gavin Newsom recall election: How a GOP Governor can change the Senate

California Governor Gavin Newsom is up for a recall election on Tuesday and the results of the poll count shift the balance of power in the United States Senate.

The Senate, which is currently divided in an even manner between the Republican and Democratic party, could shift its influence towards the GOP if Newsom is recalled.

According to reports from NPR, a new Governor could appoint a new Senator to represent California. This move could potentially tip the scales. Currently, Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein, both members of the Democratic party, occupy the two available seats.

However, a new Governor can only appoint a Senator at their discretion in case there is a vacancy. Dianne Feinstein would be reaching the age of 90 by the time the state would hold elections to fill in Senators. This would make the democratic lawmaker unlikely to run again, according to reports from NPR.

The Senate is split between the two parties with a 50-50 vote, which on occasions sends the deciding authority to Vice President Kamala Harris for matters that require votes. 

The high stakes of the recall election on Tuesday got US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to get involved. Last week, VP Harris travelled to California to rally with Newsom, followed by Biden making it to the western state for last-minute endorsement.

Harris, who is a former Senator from California, rallied for Newsom last week. She said, “California, let us send a message to the world that these are the things we stand for, these are the things we fight for, and we will not give up”, according to an Associated Press report.

She added, “You have to understand that this recall campaign is about California, and it’s about a whole lot more.”

(With AP inputs)