Governors of California

Governors of California
Post	Governor
Body	California
Insigniacaption	Seal of California
Flagcaption	Flag of the Governor of California
Incumbent	Gavin Newsom
Incumbentsince	January 7, 2019
Department	Executive branch of the California government
Style	The Honorable (formal), Governor (informal)
Residence	Governor's Mansion
Seat	Sacramento
Appointer	Popular election
Termlength	Four years, renewable once
Constituting instrument	Constitution of California
Formation	December 20, 1849
First	Peter Hardeman Burnett
Salary	$210,000 (2020)

Governors of California have led the state's executive branch since its admission to the United States in 1850. The position was established by the Constitution of California following the Bear Flag Revolt and the Mexican–American War. The governor is responsible for implementing state laws, appointing officials, and serving as commander-in-chief of the California National Guard.

List of governors of California

Since statehood, over 40 individuals have served as governor, with the first being Peter Hardeman Burnett. Notable figures include Leland Stanford, a founder of the Central Pacific Railroad and Stanford University, and Earl Warren, who later became Chief Justice of the United States. The longest-serving governor was Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown Jr., who served non-consecutive terms across two different decades. The current governor, Gavin Newsom, previously served as Lieutenant Governor of California and as Mayor of San Francisco.

Powers and duties

The governor possesses extensive authority, including the power to sign or veto legislation passed by the California State Legislature and to grant pardons and commutations. As the state's chief executive, the governor submits an annual budget proposal to the legislature and can declare a state of emergency, as seen during events like the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfire seasons. The governor also appoints heads of major agencies like the California Department of Justice and judges to the California Courts of Appeal.

Election and succession

Governors are elected by popular vote in statewide elections held every four years, coinciding with the presidential election. Term limits, established by Proposition 140, restrict governors to two terms in office. The lieutenant governor assumes the governorship in case of vacancy, as occurred when Gray Davis was recalled and succeeded by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Candidates are nominated through the state's primary election system.

History of the office

The office's origins trace to the Mexican era with appointed territorial governors under New Spain and later Mexico. Following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, a military government led by officials like Stephen W. Kearny and Richard Barnes Mason preceded statehood. The California Gold Rush dramatically increased the state's population and political importance. The governorship has been central to major state events, from the University of California's founding to the tax revolt of 1978 and the California electricity crisis.

Residences and transportation

The official residence is the Governor's Mansion in Sacramento, though some governors, including Ronald Reagan, chose to live elsewhere. The state provides the governor with transportation, historically using vehicles like a 1967 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 and currently a fleet managed by the California Highway Patrol. For longer travel, governors have access to state aircraft, such as those operated from McClellan Air Force Base, for official business across the vast state.

Living former governors

As of 2023, there are five living former governors: Jerry Brown (served 1975–1983, 2011–2019), George Deukmejian (1983–1991), Pete Wilson (1991–1999), Gray Davis (1999–2003), and Arnold Schwarzenegger (2003–2011). Several remain active in public life; for instance, Jerry Brown leads the California-China Climate Institute, and Arnold Schwarzenegger is involved with the University of Southern California Schwarzenegger Institute.

Category:Governors of California California