Exclusive | Gavin Newsom donors landed plum state posts after shelling out thousands to his PACs, wifes nonprofit

Donors who wrote big checks to Gov.Gavin Newsom’s political action committees, campaigns and charitable causes have frequently received gubernatorial appointments — with some landing influential state posts just days after the money arrived.The Post’s review of state campaign finance filings, federal disclosures and behested-payment reports identified numerous instances in which donors, tribal leaders and business executives received appointments shortly before or after they made contributions to Newsom-linked political and charitable organizations.Mark Arabo, CEO of Refined Management, gave two donations in 2024 each worth tens of thousands, including a $25,000 drop on Feb.

29, 2024, according to the Federal Election Commission’s database.A day later, Newsom appointed Arabo to the State Racetrack Leasing Commission, which oversees racetrack lease agreements and related matters.Andrew Tavakoli, chief executive of Tavaco Properties, gave $45,000 to Newsom’s Super PAC, Campaign for Democracy Group, in February 2024.

Less than two months later, Newsom appointed Tavakoli to the Exposition Park and California Science Center Board of Directors, which oversees one of the state’s premier museum and education complexes.Tavakoli has transacted over $2.3 billion in investments under Tavaco Properties, the holding company for his commercial real estate portfolio nationwide.Records show Newsom solicited $1.05 million in behested payments from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria over a four-month span in 2023 for the California Partners Project, the nonprofit founded by the first partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

Less than three months after the final contribution, on June 29, 2023, Newsom appointed Greg Sarris, chairman of the tribe, to the University of California Board of Regents, one of the most powerful positions in California higher education.Graton Rancheria has amassed political clout with its gaming interests, and in 2024, Newsom’s office urged fede...