Newsom Recall Election Cost California Taxpayers $200 Million

FILE — In this Nov. 21, 2020 file photo demonstrators shout slogans while carrying a sign calling for a recall on Gov. Gavin Newsom during a protest against a stay-at-home order amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Huntington Beach, Calif. Newsom is facing the second recall of a governor in California history. His response to the coronavirus has been a dominating force in the race. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The election of whether to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom cost taxpayers just over $200 million.

The final tally released Thursday by the Secretary of State’s office is about 28% less than what state officials had budgeted.

The state Legislature set aside just over $278 million for the Sept. 14 election.

Of that, about $243 million was divided up among the state’s 58 counties.

However, it cost the counties $174 million to put on the election, leaving $69.5 million left over.

Nearly 62% of voters chose to keep Newsom in office.

Secretary of State Shirley Weber said the recall process needs to be changed.