Donors who have contributed substantial amounts to California Governor Gavin Newsom's political action committees, campaigns, and charitable organizations have frequently been appointed to state positions, with some receiving influential roles soon after their financial commitments. A review of state campaign finance filings, federal disclosures, and behested-payment reports has identified multiple cases where donors, tribal leaders, and business executives were appointed shortly before or after making contributions to Newsom-linked entities.
One instance involved Mark Arabo, CEO of Refined Management, who made two significant donations in early 2024, including a $25,000 contribution on February 29, 2024. The following day, Newsom appointed Arabo to the State Racetrack Leasing Commission.
Another case highlights Andrew Tavakoli, chief executive of Tavaco Properties. In February 2024, Tavakoli donated $45,000 to Newsom's Super PAC, Campaign for Democracy Group. Less than two months later, Newsom appointed Tavakoli to the Board of Directors for the Exposition Park and California Science Center.
Records also show that Newsom solicited $1.05 million in behested payments from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria between May and August 2023 for the California Partners Project, a nonprofit founded by Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Approximately three months after the final contribution, on June 29, 2023, Newsom appointed Greg Sarris, chairman of the Graton Rancheria tribe, to the University of California Board of Regents.
The Graton Rancheria tribe has significant political influence, particularly concerning its gaming interests. In 2024, Newsom's office publicly urged federal officials to reject a competing casino project proposed by the Koi Nation, a move followed by a state lawsuit to block the project the next year.
Political experts have noted that while these timelines do not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, the pattern of payments followed by gubernatorial actions raises concerns about potential undue influence. Sean McMorris, a government transparency advocate with California Common Cause, pointed out that such arrangements, while legal, can create the perception of pay-to-play and may circumvent campaign finance and conflict-of-interest rules. Newsom's office recently paid a $31,500 ethics fine for late reporting of behested payments.
Tara Gallegos, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom, has rejected any implications that appointments were influenced by donations or behested payments. Gallegos stated that the governor's decisions are based solely on what is best for Californians, dismissing any suggestions to the contrary as false and absurd.
Further examples include a $666,667 contribution from the California Conference of Carpenters-Building Communities Fund to Newsom’s Campaign for Democracy Group on April 27, 2023. Eight weeks prior, Newsom had appointed Kyle Patterson, a special representative for the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters, to the California Prison Industry Authority Board of Directors.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, another significant donor, has made over $1 million in behested payments to Newsom and a $95,000 contribution to his Campaign for Democracy Committee on August 29, 2023. Three days later, Newsom appointed Laurena Bolden, a member of the tribe’s governing council, to the California Native American Heritage Commission.
Beyond appointments, Newsom has solicited more than $340 million in behested payments. In one instance, Blue Shield provided $20 million at Newsom's request in September 2020 to support Project Homekey. Months later, the Newsom administration awarded Blue Shield a no-bid vaccine distribution contract valued up to $15 million.
Dan Schnur, a professor of political communications at USC and UC Berkeley, commented that while governors likely operate within legal boundaries for such payments and appointments, the conduct can still be unpopular with voters. He noted the adage, "The real scandal is what’s legal."