News outlets, including CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC and the Associated Press, called the race for Newsom shortly after polls closed, as early returns showed the no vote with a commanding lead. Nearly 67% of voters opposed the recall, with 33% in support.

"No is not the only thing we said tonight," Newsom said, speaking at state Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento. "We said yes to science. We said yes to vaccines. We said yes to ending this pandemic. We said yes to people's right to vote without fear of fake fraud or voter suppression."