No top-tier competitor has emerged to stand in his way and he's flush with campaign cash. He had roughly $25 million in his main political committee at the end of 2021.

All of the most-recognized Republicans who ran in the recall have decided not to run again. They include conservative radio talk show host Larry Elder and former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who made his announcement a day before Friday's deadline for candidates to enter the race.

Newsom discouraged competition with a strong showing in last year's recall. After appearing imperiled during the depths of the pandemic, he rebounded and defeated by a landslide margin the attempt to push him out. Instead, a field of little-known rivals will take on the incumbent in a June 7 primary election.