Federal Probe Targets Governor Newsom’s California Partners Project

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the California Partners Project, a Sacramento nonprofit co-founded by Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Federal agents are reviewing financial links between the organization and Governor Gavin Newsom’s political network, focusing on the use of “behested payments” and possible tax-related violations. No formal charges have been announced.

Newsweek

Under California law, elected officials may solicit donations for charitable or governmental purposes; such “behested payments” are uncapped, not treated as campaign contributions, and must be disclosed when exceeding $5,000. The California Partners Project promotes gender-equity initiatives and studies media influence on women and children, operating alongside The Representation Project.

Newsweek

State filings show the nonprofit received about $5.1 million in behested payments since 2020. Notable contributions include $100,000 from Silicon Valley Bank (2021), $500,000 each from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in April 2024 and April 2025, $50,000 from the Blue Shield of California Foundation, and $100,000 from the New Venture Fund. Additional large gifts from a Native American tribe have been reported, but fragmented disclosures prevent a single consolidated total.

Newsweek

Governor Newsom’s office rejected any criminal implication, describing the inquiry as politically motivated and saying federal agents are looking for evidence rather than responding to a proven violation. The White House directed reporters to the DOJ, which declined to comment. The California Partners Project has not released a statement.

Newsweek

Ethics groups argue that behested payments create the appearance of influence and can be used to secure political advantage. Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton described the practice as outright corruption. Critics contend the system lets officials steer large donations from entities with state business interests, raising concerns about impartial governance.

Newsweek

Sources differ on the total amount funneled to the nonprofit; Politico cites $5.1 million, while other analyses reference “similarly large totals” without a precise figure. The DOJ has not publicly confirmed the scope or timeline of the investigation, leaving key details undisclosed.

Newsweek

• “not because they found a crime, but because they’re simply trying to find one.” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

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• “Obviously, regardless of what it is, Gavin Newsom is going to argue this is a vindictive prosecution,” — Neama Rahmani, former federal prosecutor

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• “literally corruption in plain sight,” — Steve Hilton, Republican gubernatorial candidate

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• “to curry political favor,” — Common Cause California, ethics watchdog

Newsweek

Investigators are expected to keep requesting financial records from the California Partners Project and related entities. Depending on DOJ findings, the case could spur legislative proposals to tighten behested-payment disclosure rules or fuel broader political debate over the practice’s transparency.

Newsweek