California professor calls Larry Elder 'a black face on white supremacy' at rally for Governor Gavin Newsom

A California professor speaking at a rally for Governor Gavin Newsom reportedly called Republican candidate Larry Elder "a black face on white supremacy" during a campaign event on Monday.

During the event, speakers took turns slamming conservative front-runner Larry Elder and made a slew of racist remarks including claims that Elder, a black man, is "racist," according to Fox News.

State Senator Sydney Kamlager referred to Elder, without naming him, as a recall challenger who "thinks he might have an edge because of his color. But racism … comes in all shapes and sizes, and we're not stupid," LAist's Kyle Stokes reported.

Following Sen. Kamlager's remarks, California State University Los Angeles professor, Melina Abdullah, said "She didn't say his name, but I will: Larry Elder is a black face on white supremacy," Stokes reported Abdullah as saying to the crowd.

Melina Abdullah teaches Pan-African studies at Cal State LA and is a self-described Marxist and civic leader. Abdullah also co-founded the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter and helped lead the movement during the George Floyd riots of 2020.

Governor Gavin Newsom took the stage at the event hosted by African American Voter Registration and Education Project (AAVREP) with US Rep. Karen Bass and attempted to win the recall by painting a dire situation regarding the need to take action on climate change.

"I really want to express to all of you that I have your back," Newsom said. "This is an attack on our values, the things we hold dear as a state."

"Just consider the prospect if we don't vote 'no' on this election," Newsom continued, as he campaigned on instilling fear surrounding climate change, labor, and social justice if Elder were to be elected.

This is not the first time during the gubernatorial campaign in which Elder has been been subjected to racial and racist rhetoric during his attempt to replace Newsom. On August 20, The Los Angeles Times published an article accusing California gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder of being the "black face of white supremacy."

In response, Elder, who is also a conservative radio host, told Fox News "I anticipated that would happen. This is why a lot of people don't go into politics because of the politics of personal destruction."

"This is not the first time the LA Times has attacked me, there is another writer who all but called me a black David Duke," he added. "They are scared to death."

California residents will decide on September 14 whether or not Governor Gavin Newsom will be recalled by voting "yes." If recalled, residents will get to choose between a pool of 46 candidates to replace Newsom. Newsom will be recalled if he wins only 49 percent of the vote or less. Elder is the conservative front-runner.