Ballotpedia's Mid-Year Recall Report (2025)
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Mid-year report |
158 recall efforts |
Los Angeles, California San Francisco, California Liberty Elementary School District, Arizona Wrightstown Community School District, Wisconsin |
June 20, 2025
By Ballotpedia staff
Between January 1 and June 20, 2025, Ballotpedia covered 158 recall efforts targeting 219 elected officials. These efforts occurred across 27 states and marked the lowest number of officials targeted for recall at mid-year since 2020. As of this report, 21 officials have been removed from office via recall elections, while another 12 resigned following the launch of recall campaigns.
City council members continued to be the most common targets, accounting for 104 of the 219 officials named in recall efforts. State legislators, however, saw a notable increase in activity, with 34 targeted—tied with school board members to be the second-highest total among all office types. This marks the first time since Ballotpedia began tracking recall data that state legislators ranked as high as second in mid-year recall activity.
Of the 219 officials subject to recall efforts, 10% were removed from office via recall elections, the seventh-highest removal rate Ballotpedia has recorded at mid-year since 2012. An additional four officials defeated recall votes to remain in office, and 99 recall attempts did not qualify for the ballot. Fifteen recall elections have been scheduled but not yet held, and 69 officials face active recall campaigns.
Minnesota emerged as the state with the most officials targeted for recall so far in 2025 with 35. California followed with 30 officials, and Colorado ranked third with 20. This marks the first time since Ballotpedia's coverage began that Minnesota has led all states in recall activity. Michigan and California have typically recorded the highest recall volumes over the past decade.
Notable recall efforts across the first half of 2025 included the following:
- Minnesota state legislators were the focus of a wave of recall attempts in 2025, stemming from a partisan standoff over House leadership and quorum rules after the 2024 elections resulted in a tied chamber. Republicans launched 29 recall petitions against Democratic members who boycotted the session, and one additional petition targeted a Republican lawmaker. None of the efforts met the state’s legal standards for recall, but the volume of filings marked the second-highest number of state legislative recall attempts in a single year nationwide since 1913.[1]
- In Los Angeles, a recall effort targeting Mayor Karen Bass was launched in response to her handling of homelessness, public safety, and emergency response, particularly following the Palisades Fire in January 2025. Organizers cited business closures and reduced firefighter funding among their concerns. Bass’ campaign called the effort politically motivated, and her former opponent, Rick Caruso, publicly criticized the recall as counterproductive.[2][3]
- San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio will face a recall election on September 16 over his support for Proposition K, a measure to permanently close a section of the Upper Great Highway to vehicle traffic. Opponents argued that the policy would create traffic issues and that Engardio violated campaign promises by supporting it. Engardio defended the measure as a boost for public recreation and local business.[4][5][6]
- In Arizona’s Liberty Elementary School District, community tensions over district leadership and staffing levels led to a recall effort targeting board vice president Kristopher Kenyon. Supporters cited teacher resignations, administrative turnover, and a student sickout involving over a third of the district’s student body.[7] The effort drew increased attention after board president Bryan Parks resigned and the district superintendent was placed on leave.[8][9] This is the third recall effort in the district since 2021. Previous efforts in 2021 and 2023 did not advance to a vote.
- Angela Hansen-Winker, a school board member in Wisconsin’s Wrightstown Community School District, was successfully recalled following disputes over legal fees, transparency, and a superintendent investigation. She lost her seat in an April election with nearly 70% of voters supporting her removal.[10][11][12]
Statistics
Ballotpedia covers recall efforts across the country for all state and local elected offices. One official had two recall efforts started against her in the first half of 2025. Her status for each effort is included in the statistics below.
Ballotpedia covered 158 recall efforts against 219 officials between January 1, 2025, and June 20, 2025. Efforts against 21 officials were successful, removing them from office via a recall election. Twelve officials resigned after recall efforts were started against them, four were put on the ballot but defeated the recall to stay in office, and the recall efforts against 99 officials failed to make the ballot. Recall elections for another 15 officials have been scheduled but not yet held, and 69 officials face recall efforts that remain underway.
The chart below details the results of recall efforts that have been resolved, either by reaching the ballot, failing to reach the ballot, or due to a resignation.
Recall elections removed 10% of officials included in recall efforts this year as of June 20, 2025. This was the seventh-highest percentage of officials removed from office that Ballotpedia has tracked at the mid-year point. The highest occurred in 2019 when 15% of officials included in recall efforts in the first half of the year were removed from office, and the lowest occurred in 2021 with 3%.
The chart below shows how many officials were included in recall efforts at the mid-year point from 2014 through 2025, as well as how many of them had been removed from office in recall elections at that time.
For the first time since Ballotpedia began tracking, state legislators drew the second-most recall petitions compared to other office groups in the first half of 2025. They tied with school board members with 34 officials included in recall efforts. City council members drew the most recall petitions out of all groups with 104. They also drew the most recall petitions from 2016 through 2024, with one exception. In 2021, school board members drew the most recall petitions.
Recalls were also sought for 22 mayors and vice mayors and two state executives. A breakdown of the various recall targets is displayed in the chart below:
Targets by state
Ballotpedia covered a total of 158 recall efforts against 219 officials in 27 states as of June 20, 2025. For the first time since Ballotpedia began tracking, Minnesota led the way in officials targeted for recall with 35 in the first half of 2025. California had the second-most with 30, and Colorado had the third-most with 20. Michigan had the most officials targeted for recall in 2018, 2022, 2023, and 2024. California had the most officials targeted for recall from 2016 to 2017 and from 2019 to 2021. To view the number of recall targets in a particular state, hover your cursor over that state below:
The table below shows the average number of officials targeted for recall in each state from the mid-point of 2020 to the mid-point of 2024, the number of officials targeted at the mid-year point in 2025, and the change in 2025 numbers compared to the five-year average.
When adjusted for state population using the U.S. Census Bureau's July 2024 population estimates, Alaska became the recall leader with 0.95 recalls per 100,000 residents. It is followed by Rhode Island (0.63 recalls per 100,000 residents) and Minnesota (0.6 recalls per 100,000 residents).
Notable recalls
Minnesota state representative recalls
Thirty recall efforts were submitted against Minnesota state representatives in the first half of 2025 in response to events surrounding the state’s legislative session. In Minnesota, recall efforts can only be initiated on the grounds of malfeasance, nonfeasance, or a serious crime. The court found that none of the 29 petitions filed by Republicans against Democratic legislators—nor the one filed against a Republican lawmaker—met the required criteria for recall.[1]
The recall efforts stemmed from a partisan dispute over control of the Minnesota House of Representatives after the 2024 elections ended in a 67-67 tie between Democrats and Republicans. A vacancy in House District 40B gave Republicans a temporary 67-66 Republican majority at the start of the 2025 legislative session.[13] Republicans maintained that their one-seat majority gave them the authority to elect a speaker and control committee assignments, whereas Democrats contended the majority was temporary and lawmakers could take no action without 68 votes.[14]
On January 12, ahead of the legislative session, Democrats held a private swearing-in ceremony outside the Capitol to ensure their members were officially sworn into office in case they chose to boycott the session. Republican leader Rep. Lisa Demuth (R) said the ceremony was not legitimate. On January 14, Democrats followed through on that boycott after Demuth indicated that Republicans would block the seating of a Democratic member-elect. Secretary of State Steve Simon (D), acting as presiding officer, adjourned the session when only 67 members were present. Republicans challenged the adjournment, removed Simon as presiding officer, declared a quorum, and proceeded to elect Demuth as speaker.[15] Democrats petitioned the state Supreme Court, arguing that the actions taken after adjournment were unlawful.[16] The court ruled on January 24 that 68 members must be present to establish a quorum. On February 4, 2025, the Minnesota Republican Party announced plans to initiate recall efforts against all House Democrats, citing their three-week boycott as the reason.[17] The following day, Democrats and Republicans reached a power-sharing agreement, bringing an end to the boycott.[18]
Recall efforts were submitted against the following state representatives:
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The recall efforts represented 44% of the 66 Democratic-held House seats at the time and 22% of the full chamber. Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash stated the following about the recall effort: "Just like a bank robber who returns the stolen money is still guilty of robbery, Democrats failed to show up for work for three weeks, collected $300,000 in taxpayer-funded salaries, and held the state hostage during a time of crisis."[20] In response, a House DFL spokesperson stated, "Republicans have filed frivolous recall petitions before that have been dismissed, and we are confident these will be dismissed as well. Democrats have been doing our jobs fully every single day, and there is no basis for a recall."[21]
While the 29 recall efforts against House Democrats were linked to their boycott of the legislative session, state Rep. Duane Quam (R) faced a separate recall effort for taking part in legislative proceedings and voting despite the chamber lacking a quorum.[22] The recall petition against Quam was initiated by Sarah Benson; however, the court determined that it did not meet the grounds for recall either.[23][24]
As of June 2025, there had been 34 recall efforts involving state legislators, making it the second-highest number in a single year since 1913. The only year with more state legislative recall efforts was 2011, which saw 44. From 1913 through 2024, Ballotpedia tracked 186 recall efforts involving 168 state lawmakers.
Karen Bass recall, Los Angeles, California
An effort to recall Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass began in 2025. The recall effort was initiated by the Recall Karen Bass Committee.
Supporters of the recall listed Bass' response to the Palisades Fire in January 2025, reduced funding for firefighters, the closure of local businesses, failure to effectively address homelessness, violent crime on public transit services, and lack of progress toward government reform and accountability as reasons for the recall effort.[2]
Regarding the recall effort, Bass' political strategist Doug Herman said, "The mayor is going to stay focused on her work that has reduced crime and homelessness and has accelerated the fire recovery months ahead of expectations and schedules."[3]
Rick Caruso, who ran against Bass in 2022, said of the recall effort, “It’s not smart. It’s an emotional reaction. I get it — I’ve obviously been very critical of the mayor. I’ve been clear about our leadership failures. But this isn’t the way to go about it.”[3]
Recall organizers would need to collect 328,526 valid signatures, equal to 15% of registered voters in Los Angeles, to trigger a recall election.[25] According to the Los Angeles City Clerk's Office, the recall petition expires on August 4, 2025.[26]
Bass was elected as mayor of Los Angeles in 2022. She won in the nonpartisan general election on November 8, 2022, with 54.8% of the vote.
Joel Engardio recall, San Francisco, California
An effort to recall San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio was initiated in 2024. A recall election is scheduled for September 16, 2025.[27]
Recall organizers criticize Engardio’s support for Proposition K, a November 2024 measure that read, "Shall the City use the Upper Great Highway as public open recreation space, permanently closing it to private motor vehicles seven days a week, with limited exceptions?" Organizers argue that Proposition K threatens neighborhood safety due to changes in traffic patterns and allege that, by supporting the measure, Engardio “violated his campaign promises of transparency and disregarded the needs and concerns of D-4 residents.”[4]
Engardio stated, "I know some people felt left out of the process that led to putting the park on the ballot. I’m committed to doing more outreach, having more conversations, and making sure everyone’s voice is part of the work moving forward," and that he is working with the San Francisco Metro Transit Authority to increase pedestrian safety and to improve the flow of traffic. He also said early data is showing that the creation of a park in place of the Upper Great Highway "is supporting the rehabilitation of the coastal dunes, it’s bringing new customers to local businesses, and it’s providing a popular space for generations of people to enjoy walking, biking, and nature."[6]
Recall organizers needed to gather 9,911 valid signatures, equal to 20% of District 4's registered voters, in order to trigger a recall election. Organizers submitted 10,523 valid signatures on May 22, 2025.[27]
Engardio was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2022. He earned 50.9% of the vote in the nonpartisan general election on November 8, 2022. If the recall is approved, Engardio will be removed from office, and the mayor will appoint someone to serve until the city's next election in 2026.[27]
Liberty Elementary School District recall, Arizona
An effort to recall Kristopher Kenyon from his position as vice president of the Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board in Arizona submitted signatures on June 3, 2025. A total of 2,950 signatures are required to put a recall election against Kenyon on the ballot. Recall supporters submitted 3,469 signatures. The Maricopa County Recorder's Office is working to verify them as of this report's publication.[28][29]
When it started, the recall effort also included board president Bryan Parks, but he resigned on February 7, 2025.[8]
When the recall effort began in February 2025, supporters said that more than a dozen teachers had resigned since the start of the 2024-2025 school year. A representative of the teachers' union said 16 district staffers and 18 teachers had resigned in the last year. Over 1,600 students, about 38% of the student population, stayed home from school on February 3, 2025, as part of a sickout to protest district leadership.[7] Superintendent Cort Monroe was placed on leave in April 2025.[9]
Paul Jensen, district parent and former member of the governing board, said that district officials were pushing teachers and principals out of the district if they voiced concerns on leadership decisions. “It is frustrating to watch all these teachers that are good, that have been with Liberty District for a long time that are being forced out,” Jensen said.[7]
Before he resigned, Parks said, "Can we please stop the false narrative that this board does not support or listen to teachers? This board's actions speak directly to our dedication to the support and success of our teachers. We've addressed every major concern brought to this board by our educators."[30]
The school district issued a statement in response to the recall effort, saying that the school district was not alone in experiencing vacancies. The statement said that the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association said that a quarter of teacher vacancies across Arizona had remained unfilled. "This school year has seen a small handful of resignations, however, the district continues to quickly fill any vacancy that may come about. We currently have one classroom teacher vacancy for the current year that we are filling."[30]
This is the third recall effort in the district since 2021. The effort in 2021 was against two board members and did not go to a vote. The effort in 2023 was against one board member and also did not go to a vote.
Wrightstown Community School District recall, Wisconsin
A recall election against Angela Hansen-Winker, member of the Wrightstown Community School District Board of Education in Wisconsin, was held on April 22, 2025. Nicole Verbeten defeated Hansen-Winker in the election with 69% of the vote, winning the seat on the board.[10]
The recall effort started in December 2024 while the school district was investigating Superintendent Andy Space for allegations related to "contractual matters, school purchases, open meeting law issues, legal counsel issues, board/staff relations, and insubordination." That month, Space announced his resignation from the district effective January 17, 2025.[12][31]
The recall effort was started by the group Residents 4 Wrightstown Community School District. Members of the group said that school board members did not prioritize the best interests of students, employees, and parents of the district. They also said there was a lack of transparency in Space's investigation and alleged that Hansen-Winker incurred high legal fees for the district.[12] School board member Rayn Warner filed the recall petition.[32]
Through her attorney, Hansen-Winker released a statement that said, "The accusations outlined in the recall petition are demonstrably false or personal political grievances from those who hate that the voters chose change, oversight, and accountability to put our schools first, costing them their control."[32]
See also
- Recall overview
- Political recall efforts
- Political recall efforts, 2025
- Laws governing recall
- Ballotpedia's 2024 Recall Analysis
- Ballotpedia's Mid-Year Recall Report (2024)
- Ballotpedia's Recall Report
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 State of Minnesota In Supreme Court, "In re Proposed Recall Petition to Request the Recall of State Representatives," March 17, 2025
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Recall Bass Now, "Get Informed," accessed March 27, 2025
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Politico, "Caruso isn’t ready to throw Bass overboard," March 18, 2025
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 SF.gov, "Notice of Intention to Circulate Recall Petition," accessed June 16, 2025
- ↑ SF Elections, "November 5, 2024 Election Results (Final)," accessed June 16, 2025
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 X, "Joel Engardio," accessed June 16, 2025
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Arizona's Family, "Families call for resignations, stage ‘sickout’ in Liberty School District over alleged issues," February 3, 2025
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 ABC 15, "Liberty Elementary school board president resigns after backlash to staff resignation," February 7, 2025
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 In Buckeye, "Liberty superintendent placed on administrative leave amid contract concerns," April 22, 2025
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Town of Holland, "WRIGHTSTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE OF RECALL ELECTION AND SAMPLE BALLOT APRIL 22, 2025," accessed April 14, 2025
- ↑ Green Bay Press Gazette, "Who won the Wrightstown School Board recall election? Results, what to know," April 23, 2025
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Wearegreenbay.com, "‘Big loss for district’: Confusion lingers over Wrightstown following abrupt resignation of school superintendent," December 30, 2024
- ↑ CBS News, "Here's what it looked like the last time Minnesota House was divided in 1979," November 8, 2025
- ↑ The Minnesota Star Tribune, "Boycott, special elections and quorums: What the heck is going on at the Minnesota Legislature?" January 9, 2025
- ↑ MPR News, "Minnesota House DFLers boycott opening session; Republicans elect their own speaker," January 14, 2025
- ↑ Minnesota Reformer, "House Democrats, secretary of state ask Supreme Court to weigh in on quorum question," January 15, 2025
- ↑ Fox 9, "MN Supreme Court quorum ruling sides with DFL, says 68 members needed," January 24, 2025
- ↑ Minnesota House of Representatives, "House DFL, Republicans strike power-sharing deal," February 6, 2025
- ↑ On June 14, 2025, Hortman and state Sen. John Hoffman (D) were shot at their respective homes. Hortman and her husband died due to their injuries. Hoffman and his wife were taken to the hospital where they underwent surgery.
- ↑ MNGOP.org, "Statement from RPMN Chair Alex Plechash," February 7, 2025
- ↑ KSTP, "GOP begins to file recall petitions against DFL lawmakers," February 14, 2025
- ↑ ABC 6 News, "Recall petition filed against Rep. Duane Quam moves to appellate court; 6 more petitions pending against Democrats," February 11, 2025
- ↑ Minnesota Appellate Courts, "A25-0227: In re Proposed Recall Petition to Request the Recall of State Representative Duane Quam," accessed March 3, 2025
- ↑ Minnesota Appellate Courts, "Order - Dismiss - Not Stipulated, Entire Case," accessed March 10, 2025
- ↑ Los Angeles Times, "The rough path to recalling Mayor Karen Bass," March 22, 2025
- ↑ Office of the City Clerk, "Petition History," accessed June 16, 2025
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 SF.gov, "Member, Board of Supervisors District 4 Recall Election," accessed June 16, 2025
- ↑ Office of the Maricopa County School Superintendent, "Recall Elections," accessed June 17, 2025
- ↑ Liberty Elementary School District, "Meet the Board," accessed June 17, 2025
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 ABC 15, "Liberty Elementary School District Board facing backlash over teacher resignations," February 4, 2025
- ↑ Green Bay Press Gazette, "Wrightstown School Board announces early retirement of Superintendent Andy Space," December 30, 2024
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 WBAY.com, "Wrightstown School Board President issues statement on recall petition," January 20, 2025
