Gov. Newsom’s Taxpayer-Paid Staff is Promoting His Campaign Activities for President in Michigan

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s public employee, taxpayer-paid staff is promoting his campaign activities for President in Michigan.

Newsom’s Deputy Director of Rapid Response Brandon Richards (He/Him) posted this on X:

WOW! 1 million views in less than 24 hours from creators & digital-first independent media on Gov @GavinNewsom’s Sunday in Michigan. Thank you @MeidasTouch, @HarryJSisson, @IsaiahRMartin, @jared_shult & @VinceDMonroy for covering! + @CSPAN carried the Governor’s stump for local races live.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's public employee, taxpayer-paid staff is promoting his campaign activities for President in Michigan. https://t.co/NP9YgAW0fD

— Katy Grimes (@KATYSaccitizen) August 10, 2026

Brandon Richards (He/Him) serves as Chief Deputy Director of Communications Rapid Response in the Governor’s Office. This is a taxpayer-funded public employee position in the state communications team.

Newsom was in the Detroit metro area of Michigan over the weekend for a multi-day swing supporting local Democrats, including canvassing and events with candidates for the state House, appearances tied to gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, and a planned meeting with U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, according to the Detroit News.

Newsom claims he is boosting Democrats up and down the ballot in a key state, as if he is a party leader.

Gavin Newsom is clearly attempting to raise his national profile ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

“California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a potential Democratic candidate for U.S. president, visited a United Auto Workers local Sunday, urging Democrats to work to flip the Legislature and noted that the outcome of Michigan elections have “profound and outsized importance” Detroit News reported.

“Newsom spoke to crowd of over 150, including canvassers for a canvass launch in Oakland County, and supporters of local Democratic candidates…”

Newsom spoke to a “crowd” of 150? Wow.

Travel and related campaign costs for political activities are typically covered by Newsom’s political accounts and PACs like Campaign for Democracy, not California taxpayers, per reporting on the trip. However, security details for the governor often involve state resources.

Richards’ post is promotional messaging about the political events and their media reach, issued by a state-salaried aide.

California law restricts the use of public resources, including staff time, for purely campaign or partisan purposes.

The X post by Brandon Richards (He/Him) is an example of taxpayer-paid staff advancing Newsom’s political and presidential positioning.

There is no getting around that fact.

Izzy Gardon, Senior Advisor to the Governor, and higher on the organizational chart that Brandon Richards (He/Him), was also promoting Newsom’s campaigning and messaging in Michigan:

“Gavin Newsom stumps for Michigan Democrats and says the Democratic Party must step up and invest down ballot — because state legislative races decide who controls congressional maps. Democrats MUST compete everywhere!”

Gavin Newsom stumps for Michigan Democrats and says the Democratic Party must step up and invest down ballot — because state legislative races decide who controls congressional maps.

Democrats MUST compete everywhere! pic.twitter.com/gUL7HU4j1S

— Izzy Gardon (@iGardon) August 9, 2026

Public employees generally may not engage in campaign activity during compensated work time or using public resources/equipment.

Here is Gov. Newsom’s organizational chart: