Some might say the emergence of Elder was a lucky break for Newsom, which allowed him to inject some life into an otherwise moribund campaign. Of course, anything can happen on Election Day. But given the strength of the Democratic Party in California, Newsom has always had a pretty decent chance of beating the recall.

There is also another important dynamic at play here. Given the intense polarization in US politics and the grip Trump has had on the GOP, it’s no surprise a Republican candidate like Larry Elder emerged as a frontrunner in the recall election. It’s also telling that a moderate like Kevin Faulconer, who previously served as the Republican mayor of San Diego, has trailed far behind Elder in the polls. It’s clear Trump’s success grabbing headlines and building a fervent base has created a blueprint for many conservatives, and the California recall demonstrates the GOP has become the party of Trump, from sea to shining sea.

Elder has also followed in Trump’s footsteps in recent days by baselessly suggesting “there might very well be shenanigans” in the recall election. Trump himself weighed in to say the upcoming election was “probably rigged.”

This kind of talk is unlikely to help Elder become governor, but sowing doubts about the electoral process is likely to become additional fodder for efforts to pass voter restriction laws like those being passed in a number of red states.