California drivers could pay for Gavin Newsom’s personal security when he’s out of office
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
California lawmakers are poised to set aside $20 million in transportation funds this year for current and former state elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, if they need state highway patrol officers to serve as their personal security detail.
The funding is a line item tucked into a 300-page spending bill state lawmakers are expected to vote on Tuesday morning after filing it on Saturday night.
The money would specifically provide California Highway Patrol officers to serve as the personal security for current or former elected officials and their families, depending on the results of a threat assessment. KCRA 3 was the first to report the plan Monday night.
It was not clear if Newsom, who is considering running for President in 2028, planned to use the funds. A spokesman for the governor could not say when KCRA 3 asked Monday afternoon, noting the office does not comment on sensitive security information.
“We unfortunately live in a time when threats and political violence against public officials are very real and, on the rise,” said Brandon Richards, a spokesman for the governor’s office. “Protecting current and former officials facing credible threats as a result of their public service has long been a bipartisan notion, and these security decisions are based solely on threat assessments by law enforcement.”
The money would specifically come out of the state’s motor vehicle account, which drivers pay into through registration fees.
The State Senate’s Republican Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee, Roger Niello, told KCRA 3 in an interview Monday night, the account is forecast to be bankrupt in 2 to 3 years.
“It is in my opinion inappropriate, and it might even be unconstitutional,” Niello said.
He noted California already passed a bill allowing campaign funds to be used for security purposes.
“He has a sizable account for his campaign,” Niello noted. “As opposed to the people paying their registration fees paying for that.”
KCRA 3 reported earlier this year that dozens of California Highway Patrol officers served as Kamala Harris’ security detail during her international book tour. Newsom’s administration would not provide the cost to taxpayers or say when or if the arrangement ended.
KCRA 3 Political Director Ashley Zavala reports in-depth coverage of top California politics and policy issues. She is also the host of “California Politics 360.” Get informed each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KCRA 3.