LOS ANGELES (AP) — California's long-suffering Republicans endured another embarrassing loss when Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom easily defeated an attempt to drive him from office.

Returns from Tuesday's recall election continued a troubling trend for the GOP. Republicans haven't won a statewide election in California since 2006.

In recent years their candidates have been unable to get more than 40% support from voters.

Incomplete results show the pro-recall votes reached only 36%.

With Newsom back on the ballot in 2022 the GOP faces a high climb to make the race competitive.

The party has better chances in Congress — the GOP picked up four House seats in 2020.