California's top Democrats and activities have expressed their support towards Governor Gavin Newsom as he faces recall in the state. The Democrats expressed their support for California's governor on their annual convention on Saturday, Associated Press reported.

The convention was held virtually which made it more muted than the previous conventions held by the Democrats. Democratic high officials also addressed the event through pre-recorded videos. Usually, the said convention would bring democratic activists together for days to discuss different agendas such as policy discussions.

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Gavin Newsom Receives Support from Democrats Amid Recall

During the convention, Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Representative Barbara Lee gave their speeches in the convention, Cal Matters reported.

Meanwhile, Jaime Harrison, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee also expressed support to Newsom, saying that he is aware that the party is "ready" to make sure that the governor will continue to fight for Californians, which is "what he does best."

"Gavin's proactive measure and leadership save lives," said Representative Barbara Lee adding that Gavin Newsom has her support. Lee also emphasized that the "right-wing" driven recall must be defeated.

Lee also added that a recall for Newsom will be bad for all Californians, emphasizing that the movement will be an obstacle in resolving the housing crisis in California. It can be remembered that mayors from the 13 largest cities of the golden state asked for a $20 billion budget for five years.

The large sum of money will be used by the mayors in addressing the homeless crisis in the state, another pandemic that California is facing apart from the coronavirus. As of January 2020, 161,548 homeless population were estimated by federal reports. Fresno mayor noted that long-term flexible funding will be needed to address the issue.

Gavin Newsom will compete against former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, businessman John Cox, and former Congressman Doug Ose against the post. Reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner will also be joining the gubernatorial race. The four candidates are among the Republicans who are running to take the office.

Associated Press noted that Gavin Newsom's recall election will be one of the state's highest-profile races since no other major contests will happen on the state ballot this year.

California Recall Election

The recall petition for Gavin Newsom was introduced in February 2020 in California, ABC 7 reported. Among the reasons there are petitioners for the recall are laws that favor foreign nationals, a surge in homeless rates, and even his alleged failure to enforce immigration laws in the state.

However, the California Association of Clerks and Elections Officials estimated that the upcoming recall election would cost around $400 million, or about $18 per person.

State Controller Betty Yee labeled the special election "a waste of taxpayer money," in Associated Press, emphasizing that the money could be better spent elsewhere.

The Democrats' convention theme where support for Gavin Newsom was expressed as "California Strong." Moreover, Newsom is the second governor in California history to face a recall election, next to Gray Davis who lost his post in 2003.

READ MORE: Newsom To Face Recall Election After Signature Threshold Reached

WATCH: Recall election likely for California's governor - from Reuters