Who were the main political leaders involved in the California recall election of 2003?

The California recall election of 2003 was primarily centered around the political conflict between Governor Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who emerged as a leading candidate in the recall race. Gray Davis, the sitting governor, faced significant criticism due to various issues, including the state's energy crisis and budget deficits, which led to widespread dissatisfaction among voters. This discontent culminated in a recall election, where voters were asked whether they wanted to remove Davis from office.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, a well-known actor and political newcomer at the time, successfully capitalized on the public's frustration, presenting himself as a candidate for change. He focused on prominent issues and positioned himself as a viable alternative to Davis, which ultimately helped him win the election and assume the governorship.

The other choices either mention political figures or events unrelated to the 2003 recall election, thus making them incorrect in the context of this specific historical event. For instance, Jerry Brown, Pete Wilson, Gavin Newsom, and Ronald Reagan were not involved in the 2003 recall; they belong to different political contexts and eras in California's history.