June 16, 2026
The Honorable Rob Bonta
Attorney General of California
California Department of Justice
1300 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Fair Political Practices Commission
1102 Q Street, Suite 3000
Sacramento, CA 95811
Re: Request for Review of Potential Use of Public Resources by Governor’s Office
Dear Attorney General Bonta and Commissioners:
I write to request a review of the apparent use of state resources in connection with a recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted by the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom to the United States Department of Justice.
According to public statements issued by the Governor’s Office, the request seeks records relating to an alleged federal investigation involving Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Based on publicly available information, it appears that state personnel, legal counsel, and other taxpayer-funded resources may have been used to prepare and submit the request.
I respectfully request clarification regarding whether the use of public resources for matters involving the personal or political interests of an elected official is authorized under California law. Specifically, I request identification of the statutory authority, if any, that permits the Governor’s Office to utilize state employees, legal staff, or other public resources to prepare and pursue a records request concerning an investigation involving the Governor and his spouse.
Additionally, I ask that your offices review whether the preparation and submission of this FOIA request served a legitimate governmental purpose consistent with the official duties of the Governor’s Office, or whether it primarily advanced personal or political interests unrelated to state business.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate any guidance, findings, or clarification your offices may provide regarding the appropriate use of public resources under these circumstances.
Sincerely,
Carl DeMaio
Assemblyman, 75th District
