Who is our governor

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: As of 2024, the governor of California is Gavin Newsom, who has served since January 7, 2019, after winning re-election in 2022 with over 59% of the vote.

Key Facts

Gavin Newsom was first elected governor of California in November 2018 with 53.7% of the vote
He took office on January 7, 2019, succeeding Jerry Brown
Newsom won re-election in 2022 with 59.2% of the vote, defeating Brian Dahle
California governors serve four-year terms, with no term limits since 1974
The governor’s official residence is the California Governor’s Mansion in Sacramento

Overview

California's governor is the head of the state's executive branch and one of the most powerful political figures in the U.S. The current officeholder, Gavin Newsom, has been in office since 2019 and plays a central role in shaping state policy on climate, healthcare, and economic development.

The governor oversees a $300 billion state budget, commands the California National Guard, and has the authority to sign or veto legislation passed by the state legislature. As a Democratic leader in the nation’s most populous state, Newsom’s policies often influence national political trends.

Gavin Newsom was elected in November 2018 with 53.7% of the vote, defeating Republican John Cox
He officially took office on January 7, 2019, becoming the 40th governor of California
Newsom won re-election in November 2022 with 59.2% of the vote, a significant margin over challenger Brian Dahle
Prior to becoming governor, Newsom served as Lieutenant Governor of California from 2011 to 2019 and as Mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011
The governor resides at the California Governor’s Mansion in Sacramento, a historic building restored in 2007

How It Works

Election and succession procedures for California's governor are defined by the state constitution, ensuring a structured democratic process and continuity of leadership.

Term: Governors serve four-year terms, with no limit on the number of terms they may serve since a 1974 constitutional amendment abolished term limits
Election Cycle: Gubernatorial elections occur in even-numbered years during midterm federal elections, such as in 2018 and 2022, aligning with other state offices
Eligibility: Candidates must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, and residents of California for five years prior to the election
Veto Power: The governor can veto legislation within 12 days of receiving it, and a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers is needed to override
Budget Authority: The governor submits an annual state budget proposal, which allocates over $300 billion across education, healthcare, and infrastructure
Emergency Powers: In declared emergencies, such as wildfires or pandemics, the governor can mobilize resources and suspend certain regulations
Succession: If the governor leaves office, the lieutenant governor assumes the role, as occurred when Newsom succeeded Brown in 2019

Comparison at a Glance

California's gubernatorial leadership can be better understood when compared to recent predecessors in terms of tenure, policies, and electoral margins.

Governor	Term Years	Party	Re-election Margin	Key Initiative
Gavin Newsom	2019–present	Democratic	59.2% (2022)	Climate action, housing reform
Jerry Brown	2011–2019	Democratic	60.0% (2014)	Drought management, prison reform
Arnold Schwarzenegger	2003–2011	Republican	55.8% (2006)	Environmental regulations
Gray Davis	1999–2003	Democratic	Lost recall (2003)	Energy crisis response
Pete Wilson	1991–1999	Republican	54.2% (1994)	Immigration policy changes

This comparison highlights how recent governors have shaped California’s policy landscape across party lines. Newsom’s focus on climate resilience and housing contrasts with Schwarzenegger’s market-based environmental strategies and Brown’s fiscal restraint. Electoral margins suggest strong voter engagement, especially during recall or re-election cycles.

Why It Matters

Understanding who governs California is essential due to the state’s economic and cultural influence on national and global issues. The governor’s decisions impact over 39 million residents and set precedents in technology, environmental policy, and social equity.

Climate Leadership: California under Newsom has committed to 100% clean electricity by 2040, influencing other states’ energy policies
Healthcare Expansion: The state expanded Medi-Cal, covering 15 million low-income residents, one of the largest in the nation
Housing Crisis: Newsom has pushed for 2.5 million new homes by 2030 to combat a severe affordability crisis
Wildfire Response: The governor oversees a $2.8 billion wildfire prevention program, including forest management and emergency alerts
Economic Power: California’s $3.4 trillion GDP ranks it fifth globally, making the governor’s economic policies globally significant
Political Influence: Governors like Newsom are often considered potential presidential candidates, amplifying their national visibility

With broad executive powers and a platform of international reach, California’s governor plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of both the state and the nation.