San Diego County Gun Owners (SDCGO), a political action committee (PAC) promoting Second Amendment rights, has announced its endorsement of a “yes” vote for the upcoming California gubernatorial recall election.
“We are not endorsing a candidate, but we are supporting a yes vote on removing the current governor,” said Schwartz, executive director, SDCGO. “We are encouraging everyone to commit to show up to vote and make sure everyone you know does the same.”
According to Schwartz, first-term Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is the most anti-Second Amendment governor the state has ever endured.
“Newsom is responsible for the success of Prop 63, which created a poorly run ammunition registration program,” said Schwartz. “Newsom also signed into law SB 61, which bans adults under 21 from purchasing firearms, along with AB 879, which requires going through a firearms dealer to buy gun components, and AB 1297, which increased fees on carry permits, and AB 893, which bans gun show gatherings at the San Diego-based fairgrounds.”
According to Schwartz, “Not only has Newsom supported horribly restrictive gun laws, but he has been outwardly hostile towards gun owners with his rhetoric. We need someone who is inclusive when it comes to civil rights, not divisive.”
Newsom is facing recall after more than 2.1 million signatures were collected on recall petitions from registered California voters. The election is scheduled for Sept. 14, although ballots are expected to arrive in mailboxes to every registered voter starting the week of Aug. 16.
Names of more than 40 candidates, both Republicans and Democrats, will appear on a ballot that will ask voters to answer only two questions: First, should Gov. Newsom be removed? And, second, who should replace him?
“The second vote will count only if a majority votes ‘yes’ on the first question,” said Schwartz.
“We want to make sure the election options and priorities are clear. Our recommended advice is to avoid focusing on your favorite replacement candidate. Arguing over your preferred replacement candidate won’t get Newsom out of office. The absolute best way to support your candidate is to get more people to vote to recall Newsom.”
Recall elections historically draw lower voter turnout, noted Schwartz.
“Because of low voter turnout, every vote will matter, so get everybody you know to cast a ballot in favor of the recall,” he said. “I mean everybody, including your favorite shooting buddy, veterinarian, bartender, plumber, Uber driver, neighbor, friend, coworker, and family member. Getting people who hadn’t planned to vote to cast a ballot can actually change the calculus of the race.”
Founded in 2015, San Diego County Gun Owners is a registered political action committee (FPPC ID #1379388) and advocacy organization focused on organizing the gun industry and community and protecting the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment right to bear arms.
Based on its membership size of more than 2,800 individuals, SDCGO is considered San Diego’s largest registered PAC as well as civil rights organization. SDCGO features a diverse and inclusive membership with representatives from the LGBTQ, Latino, African American, Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
While every U.S. state has a Second Amendment PAC, along with several nationwide gun rights PACs, SDCGO is believed to be the America’s first, strictly local, countywide Second Amendment advocacy organization providing news and information on new gun laws and expanding, along with expanding and restoring Second Amendment rights. SDCGO sponsored events include gun safety classes, small gun shows, sporting clay shoots, social gatherings and pistol, rifle and shotgun experiences taught by professional instructors. For more information, visit www.sandiegocountygunowners.com.