Facing an almost certain recall and harsh criticism over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and vaccination rollout, California Gov. Gavin Newsom was in full campaign mode tonight in his third annual State of the State speech.

"The state of our state remains determined," the former San Francisco mayor said from a near-empty Dodger Stadium on Tuesday. "I remain determined!"

"We won't change course just because of a few naysayers and dooms-dayers," the governor added in a clear jab at political rivals like former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer.

"So to the California critics, who are promoting partisan power grabs and outdated prejudices and rejecting everything that makes California great, we say this: We will not be distracted from getting shots in arms and our economy booming again," the often-rushed and off-kilter Newsom declared in what likely will be one of his stump-speech applause lines once the looming recall kicks in and a special election is underway.