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California Sen. Josh Newman of Fullerton Appears Headed for Defeat in Recall Election Fueled by His Support for Gas Tax

State Sen. Josh Newman speaks to his supporters on May 5, 2018. (Credit: Nick Agro/Los Angeles times)

Voters appeared to approve the recall of a Southern California state senator Tuesday, with significant support for removing Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) from office in all of the counties in his district.

With 100 out of 484 precincts in Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties reporting, Newman appeared headed for defeat in the District 29 recall election. Republican challenger Ling Ling Chang appeared slated to replace the freshman legislator based on the early returns.

The state Republican Party targeted Newman over his support last year for Senate Bill 1, which increased the gas tax and vehicle fees to pay for road and bridge repairs and mass transit improvements.

Newman was one of 81 legislators who backed the measure, but Republicans sought to tap voter discontent over the higher levies in this district, a longtime GOP stronghold previously represented by termed-out Republican Sen. Bob Huff.

Read the full story on LATimes.com.

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