Recently, Fox News highlighted California Governor Gavin Newsom’s communications director, bringing attention to the governor’s sizable taxpayer-funded salary. This scrutiny followed an incident where Newsom told a reporter to “fuck you” during a discussion about his dyslexia.
This week, when Real Clear Politics national correspondent Susan Crabtree sought clarification on Newsom’s childhood disorder, his spokesperson, Gargan, responded by saying:
“Hi Susan, thank you for reaching out to me. With all due respect, stop now.”
Newsom’s interest in dyslexia garnered attention during his book tour this month. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (D) asked the governor what he hoped readers would learn from his account of living with the condition.
“I’m just like you,” Newsom remarked. “I’m not better than you. You know, I was the guy who got a 960 on the SAT.”
His remarks received backlash online, with critics suggesting he was implying that black people possess inherent illiteracy and trying to appeal to the black community.
When Crabtree pressed Gargan for documentation supporting Newsom’s dyslexia diagnosis, Gargan’s response was notably profane, mirroring the department’s combative approach.
As reported by Fox Digital, “Mr. Newsom’s communications team frequently reacts to the White House’s critical social media posts aimed at Democrats, often utilizing AI-generated imagery and targeting Trump and Republicans.”
Fox then examined data from Transparent California, revealing:
Gardon went from earning about $30,000 annually as an administrative assistant in 2019 to nearly $212,154 in 2024 as a senior assistant and communications director in Newsom’s office.
His regular salary in 2024 stands at $152,091, with benefits totaling around $57,000 and an extra $3,141 for “other pay,” culminating in an annual total of $212,154.
Fox reached out to its communications director for a response.
“Susan (Crabtree) is not a journalist,” he asserted. “She’s a MAGA blogger who writes about conspiracy theories.”
It might be that Gardon holds some longstanding resentment towards journalists. A year ago, Crabtree co-authored a book detailing corruption in California with fellow investigative reporter Jed McPhatter.
The book, Fool’s Gold: The radicals, con artists, and traitors who shattered California’s dreams and now threaten us all.
Breitbart’s summary indicates the book uncovers corruption involving major California Democrats, including Newsom, Senator Adam Schiff, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Earlier this month, Gardon drew criticism for labeling rapper Nicki Minaj a “stupid hoe” on X.
He defended his comment, claiming it referred to her 2012 hit “Stupid Hoe.”
While some of Newsom’s senior staff appreciate Gardon’s creative flair, Silicon Valley Y Combinator CEO Gary Tan, a moderate Democrat, openly criticized him.
“This is the most unprofessional person I’ve ever seen in politics,” Tan expressed on X. “Izzy Gardon is an embarrassment to the Newsom campaign.”
Tan also supported San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who is set to receive significant backing for his gubernatorial campaign.
Contributor Lowell Cauffiel is a bestselling crime fiction author based in Los Angeles.
