California Governor Gavin Newsom’s political action committee has raised approximately $250,000 in the two weeks following a fundraising appeal sent after he accused the Department of Justice of weaponizing its investigations. The funds were collected by the Campaign for Democracy PAC and two associated accounts.
According to campaign finance records filed on Wednesday, the money was primarily comprised of small-dollar individual donations. Newsom's campaign team stated that the email appeal was a significant contributor to the sum raised. A spokesperson described the rapid fundraising as evidence of "the strength of Governor Newsom’s grassroots network and his ability to quickly mobilize supporters when it matters most."
The Campaign for Democracy accounts, established in 2023, have been utilized for political advertising, polling, and supporting other Democratic candidates, while also aiming to boost Newsom's national profile. The PACs have also funded expenses related to Newsom's podcast and his recent book tour, which included purchasing over $1.5 million worth of his memoir, "Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery."
As of June 30, the governor's campaign accounts held approximately $14.4 million. The Department of Justice probe has been seen as a factor in Newsom's potential presidential ambitions in 2028, allowing him to present himself as an opponent of former President Donald Trump.
Sources have indicated to The Post that the DOJ investigation has focused in part on Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and her tax records. In March, The Post reported that Newsom had facilitated the transfer of over $4.4 million from special interests and wealthy donors to the California Partners Project, an organization associated with Siebel Newsom.