Gavin Newsom has survived California's recall election, allowing the Democrat to serve out his full term as governor, a NBC News projection showed.

Polls for in-person voting closed at 11 p.m. ET Tuesday.

The recall election asked voters whether Newsom should be replaced, and if he is recalled, offered them a choice of 46 alternatives to pick from.

Newsom was elected in 2018 and his term would end in 2023. The Republican-led recall effort gained steam over allegations that he mishandled the state’s coronavirus response.

NBC News said its exit poll found "voters sided with Newsom on the public health measures, with a plurality, or 45%, saying Newsom’s Covid policies are right, compared to 32% who said the measures are too strict. Another 17% said they aren’t strict enough

Polls leading up to Tuesday's recall vote had favored Newsom.

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