Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed his former chief of staff and political strategist, Jim DeBoo, to a seat on the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, a taxpayer-funded position that pays nearly $60,000 annually. The appointment has drawn criticism from state Republicans who label it an act of cronyism, suggesting that Newsom is rewarding loyal allies as his governorship nears its end.
DeBoo, who founded DeBoo Strategic Affairs in 2023, requires confirmation from the state Senate for the role. Critics argue he lacks apparent subject-matter expertise for the position. State Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach, stated, "Governor Newsom is months away from leaving office, yet he still wants his friends in key government positions, including in roles where subject-matter expertise is in question. This is cronyism at its best."
The governor's office and DeBoo did not respond to requests for comment regarding the appointment.
DeBoo joined Newsom's administration in 2020 as executive secretary, functioning as the governor's chief of staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and a recall campaign. His firm has since generated over $2.4 million in campaign revenue since 2020, according to records reviewed by The Post. This work included support for various ballot measures for the state Democratic Party and the governor, notably the 2021 recall effort.
Following his departure from government, DeBoo established himself as a prominent Democratic consultant in Sacramento. His firm has highlighted his contributions to shaping Newsom's agenda, navigating the administration through significant crises, and serving as chair of the governor's inaugural committee.
Meanwhile, Newsom also appointed Jared Blumenfeld, his former California Environmental Protection Agency secretary, to the State Water Resources Control Board. This position offers a salary of $186,721. While Blumenfeld possesses more experience relevant to this role than DeBoo, his ties to Newsom extend back to his time as mayor of San Francisco.
Critics of the governor contend that these appointments exemplify a trend of Newsom bestowing positions upon loyal supporters. Recent reports have detailed other appointments made by Newsom to wealthy donors who contributed to his political action committees or affiliated nonprofits. Notable examples include Mark Arabo, CEO of Refined Management, appointed to the State Racetrack Leasing Commission shortly after a $25,000 contribution; Andrew Tavakoli, chief executive of Tavaco Properties, appointed to the Exposition Park and California Science Center Board after donating $45,000; and Greg Sarris, leader of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, which has provided millions in behested payments to Newsom and was appointed to the University of California Board of Regents in 2023.
California GOP Chairwoman Corrin Rankin criticized these appointments, stating, "This is just more of the same insider games from Gavin Newsom that puts Californians last. These important boards exist to protect our water, our communities, and our safety, not to serve as cushy rewards for his political allies that damage our communities and drive up our cost of living. The next governor needs to end this decadent system of patronage and put Californians, not their friends, first."
The Central Valley Flood Protection Board is responsible for flood-control planning and permitting across a region prone to flooding, overseeing projects related to the Sacramento and San Joaquin river systems.