Unless things have changed since 2003, recall elections don't work like that in California. There's a yes or no question to recall, along with a vote for a replacement (Newsom will not be on this ballot).
Things are exactly the same as 2003. Down to the weird jungle-primary-but-also-it's-just-FPTP system and no limits on campaign contributions.
And right now there appear to be three Republicans in the ring. These are the Reaganlandian Cox, the insider administrator Faulconer, and the Trump die-hard Grenell. Since the D campaign appears to be focusing on voting No rather than ensuring a D replaces Newsom, which is right since this is a blue state and a GOP petition, its unlikely any serious D challengers throw in their hat against the lt. Gov or whomever Newsom has running on the replacement side of the ballot. Such a vote split ensures most counties will be Blue on the second question, even though it won't matter.
