Governor of California

The governor's powers are defined by the California Constitution and state statutes. The governor proposes a balanced budget each January, which the legislature must approve, and holds a line-item veto over appropriations. The governor can sign or veto bills, with vetoes overrideable by a two-thirds vote of both legislative houses. The governor appoints the heads of over 40 state agencies and departments, as well as judges to the state courts, subject to confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments for appellate and supreme court seats. The governor also serves as commander-in-chief of the California National Guard, can call the legislature into special session, and grants reprieves, commutations, and pardons, except in cases of impeachment. The governor's executive orders carry the force of law, subject to judicial review, and have been used to address emergencies such as wildfires and public health crises.¹

Governors are elected by popular vote in a nonpartisan blanket primary, where the top two candidates advance to the general election, regardless of party. The term is four years, with a maximum of two terms, a limit imposed by Proposition 140 in 1990. If the governor dies, resigns, or is removed, the lieutenant governor assumes the office. The lieutenant governor also acts as governor when the governor is out of state, a provision that has led to notable conflicts, such as when Lieutenant Governor Mike Curb acted during Jerry Brown's absences in the 1970s. The line of succession continues to the president pro tempore of the Senate and then the speaker of the Assembly. A recall election can remove a governor mid-term; the only successful recall was of Gray Davis in 2003, who was replaced by Arnold Schwarzenegger.²

The office was established in 1849, with Peter Burnett as the first governor. Early governors dealt with statehood, the Gold Rush, and land disputes. The office gained national prominence in the 20th century, with Earl Warren (1943-1953) later becoming Chief Justice of the United States. Ronald Reagan served from 1967 to 1975, using the office as a springboard to the presidency. Jerry Brown, who served two non-consecutive terms (1975-1983 and 2011-2019), became the longest-serving governor in state history. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, served from 2003 to 2011, focusing on environmental policy and redistricting reform. The office has been held by Democrats for most of the 21st century, reflecting the state's political leanings. The governor's influence extends beyond state borders, as California's policies on emissions, technology, and immigration often set national trends.³

The governor's salary is set by the California Citizens Compensation Commission, currently $210,000, but many governors have declined raises. The governor's mansion in Sacramento, known as the Stanford Mansion, is used for official functions, but most modern governors have chosen to live in private residences. The governor has the power to issue executive orders that can suspend laws during emergencies, a power used extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic. A unique provision allows the governor to appoint a replacement to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy, a power exercised by Gavin Newsom in 2021 to appoint Alex Padilla. The governor also has the authority to extradite fugitives and to negotiate compacts with other states. The office has a ceremonial side, including the annual State of the State address and the power to grant clemency, which has been used controversially in death penalty cases. The governor's staff, including the cabinet and the Office of the Governor, numbers over 200, making it a substantial executive operation.⁴

Line-item veto

The power to veto specific provisions of a budget bill without rejecting the entire bill.

Recall election

A procedure by which voters can remove an elected official before the end of their term.

Blanket primary

A primary election in which all candidates appear on the same ballot, with the top two advancing regardless of party.