Exclusive | Gavin Newsom threatened by feds with audit over campaign travel records
Gavin Newsom’s political roadshow just hit a federal speed bump.The Federal Election Commission sent a letter last week demanding more information about tens of thousands of dollars in travel reimbursements reported by the California governor’s Campaign for Democracy PAC — warning that the political action committee could face an audit or enforcement action if it fails to adequately explain the spending.Federal political watchdogs sent the letter as Newsom — who along with his wife is the focus of Department of Justice investigations — launched a tour of the South, including meetings with black elected officials and community leaders in Alabama and political rallies in South Carolina.Newsom’s camp touted the trip as an effort to ramp up support for Democrats ahead of November’s midterm elections, but the governor is widely expected to run for president in 2028 — and South Carolina was recently selected to hold the first Democratic presidential primary in January 2028.Newsom openly acknowledged his White House ambitions during the trip.The timing of the FEC letter puts a spotlight on the surging political expenses surrounding Newsom as he approaches the end of his governorship — and on a growing national political operation stocked with members of his inner circle.Federal watchdogs specifically flagged payments described as “Travel and Event Reimbursement,” saying federal disclosure rules may require campaigns to identify the businesses that ultimately received reimbursed money.The commission ordered the PAC to provide the “missing or clarifying information” by Oct.
6, or explain when additional itemization was not required.“Failure to adequately respond” could result in an audit, the FEC warned, adding that failure to comply with federal law could also lead to enforcement action.The FEC’s letter was sent to Analea Patterson, a former cabinet secretary and senior counselor in Newsom’s office who was installed as treasurer of Campaig...