Criticism of Governor Newsom’s Budget Proposal
California Governor Gavin Newsom is encountering significant backlash for including a $33,000 allocation for his official portrait in the 2026-2027 budget plan, especially given the state’s growing budget deficit and rising living expenses.
This budget proposal has sparked criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Detractors accuse Newsom (D-Calif.) of overlooking urgent issues like soaring housing prices, high gas costs, and expensive healthcare options.
The timing of this request raises eyebrows, particularly in light of his massive $349.9 billion budget proposal. The $33,000 is set to be drawn from California’s general fund.
The Newsom administration defends the expansive spending plan as necessary for safeguarding essential state services and investing in the state’s infrastructure. However, critics argue that even smaller, symbolic expenditures—like this portrait—seem misplaced during a time of significant financial strain for many Californians.
The funds would be allocated for a “traditional gubernatorial portrait” intended for display in the California State Capitol alongside those of previous governors. Still, lawmakers are exercising caution regarding new discretionary spending given the state’s ongoing budget challenges.
State Senator Suzette Validares (R-Calif.) has been particularly vocal about the inappropriate timing of Newsom’s budget request.
“It’s only in Sacramento that a governor looks at a family in distress and thinks, ‘You know what they need at this moment? A picture of me,'” Validares remarked.
Congresswoman Alexandra M. Macedo (R-Calif.) also criticized the proposal, linking it to Newsom’s controversial high-speed rail project.
“At least future generations will have a memorable picture of a man who continued to spend billions of dollars carving a permanent scar on prime Central Valley farmland for a train that would never connect Northern and Southern California,” Macedo stated.
The proposed budget might also provide funding for projects honoring California’s living former governors, a group Newsom will eventually join.
Nevertheless, critics from both parties are questioning the plan’s focus and timing, stressing that the state should prioritize addressing economic hardships rather than legacy projects.
This backlash has also revived scrutiny regarding Newsom’s past public accolades, including a $100,000 bronze bust commemorating his tenure as San Francisco’s mayor, which was funded by private donations tied to him and his associates.
