Larry Elder attends town hall with Christian leaders in Downey

Larry Elder prays with Christian leaders during town hall discussion at First Season church in Downey. Elder expressed his views on the COVID-19 pandemic, women’s reproductive rights and climate change during the discussion on Aug. 9. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

DOWNEY — Radio talk show host and candidate for California governor, Larry Elder, participated in a town hall discussion with local Hispanic Christian leaders at the New Season church in Downey on Sept. 9.

Despite the multiple polls showing that Elder and the 46 other candidates running in the California Gubernatorial Recall Election will lose on Sept. 14, the conservative talk show host took the time to clarify his plans for the state. 

Elder’s vision for California consists of lifting the mask and vaccine mandate, being a pro-life governor while appointing anti-abortion assemblies and reduce wildfires with forest management instead of addressing climate change. 

Republicans have criticized Newsom’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing he made a mistake by closing the state as COVID cases and deaths rose in California. They demand that Newsom should not implement the mask and vaccine mandate, which they view as an attack on their freedom. 

“I would not have shut down the state,” said Elder as the audience cheered. “I would have relied on the common sense of men and women and their parents to determine what should be done.”

Masks were optional during the indoor town hall, as the majority of the audience chose not to wear the face covering. 

“Newsom has said if you work for the state you have to be vaccinated or get tested once a week and wear a face mask,” said the talk show host. “Newsom made the mandate, so one of the first things I’m going to do when I become governor is repeal [the vaccine mandate.]”

Elder said he is vaccinated, but earlier stated he does not believe the science supports getting the vaccine. 

Earlier this week, Texas passed a law restricting abortions on preganancies older than six weeks, regardless of rape or incest.

The Republican candidate was also asked about his views on women’s reproduction rights, and whether he would work to make California pro-life and appoint anti-abortion assemblies. 

“I am 100% pro-life. I am going to govern as a governor who is 100% pro-life,” Elder stated. 

Climate change experts and scientists have stated that the California wildfires are caused by climate change. However, Elder chose to focus on managing the forests instead of California’s carbon footprint. 

“Trees are growing way thicker than they used to grow. Dead trees and dry vegetation are not being removed,” said Elder. 

Elder has made earlier statements saying he does not believe in climate change, or that it is the cause of California wildfires. 

Elder has no experience in politics, but polls show he is the front-runner to replace Newsom if the recall is successful. However, polls also show the majority of Californians are not in favor of removing Newsom. 

The final day to vote in the California Gubernatorial Recall Election is Sept. 14.