Conservative radio host Larry Elder is gaining popularity with voters and is favored to become the California's new Governor if Gavin Newsom is recalled in September, a new poll has revealed.
The Emerson College/ Nexstar Media poll, published on Friday, shows Elder leading the crowded field of candidates with 16 percent of the vote.
The 69-year-old host - who is a frequent Fox News guest - is well ahead of other contenders, including businessman John Cox and former San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer, who are both polling at 6 percent respectively.
Meanwhile, the poll shows Caitlyn Jenner struggling to gain traction among voters despite widespread name recognition. The Keeping Up With The Kardashian star is polling at just 4 percent.
However, a majority of voters - 53 percent - say they 'don't yet know' who they would vote for should Newsom be removed from office.
The poll also shows there is growing support for the removal of Newsom from office - with 43 percent of potential voters say they would vote to recall, up from 38 percent in March.
Meanwhile, the poll shows Caitlyn Jenner struggling to gain traction among voters as Gov Gavin Newsom faces a recall
Elder - who is a black Republican - may initially seem like a long shot to win in ultra-liberal California.
However, it wouldn't be the first time a Republican had assumed office following the recall of a Democrat Gov.
Back in 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger became Governor after Democrat Gray Davis was recalled 11 months into his second term.
Elder only recently announced his bid for Governor.
Earlier this month, he told the Associated Press that he initially was reluctant to become a candidate in a state where Democrats hold a lopsided grip on power in Sacramento. But a number of his Republicans peers, including fellow conservative radio host Dennis Prager, encouraged him to run.
The talk show host added that he is passionate about California issues like its out-of-control homeless crisis, spiking crime rates, water shortages and power outages - in addition to the hit the economy took after Newsom's coronavirus lockdowns.
'I have common sense. I
