Gavin Newsom

Governor of California who vetoed SB 1047 but signed SB 53, the first US frontier-AI transparency law, and says the state cannot wait for a catastrophe before setting enforceable AI safeguards.

Roles

8 Jan 2004 – 10 Jan 2011Mayor of San Francisco, City and County of San FranciscoSource →
10 Jan 2011 – 7 Jan 2019Lieutenant Governor of California, State of CaliforniaSource →
7 Jan 2019 – presentGovernor of California, State of CaliforniaTerm-limited; his second term ends in January 2027. Vetoed SB 1047 on 29 September 2024 and signed SB 53 on 29 September 2025.Source →

On the record

21 May 2026 · Statement · Office of the Governor of California
We have taken the lead on advancing innovation, safety, and transparency. But we must think bigger. This moment demands that we reimagine the entire system — how we work, how we govern, how we prepare people for the future
Governor of California, State of California at the time
On an executive order addressing AI-driven job displacement.
Governor Newsom signs first-of-its-kind executive order to prepare workers and businesses for potential AI disruption →
30 Mar 2026 · Statement · Office of the Governor of California
But we also understand the flip side: in the wrong hands, innovation can be misused in ways that put people at risk. California leads in AI, and we're going to use every tool we have to ensure companies protect people's rights, not exploit them or put them in harm's way.
Governor of California, State of California at the time
On an executive order using state procurement to require AI vendor certification, ten days after the White House asked Congress to preempt state AI laws.
As Trump rolls back protections, Governor Newsom signs first-of-its-kind executive order to strengthen AI protections and responsible use →
29 Sept 2025 · Statement · Office of the Governor of California
California has proven that we can establish regulations to protect our communities while also ensuring that the growing AI industry continues to thrive. This legislation strikes that balance.
Governor of California, State of California at the time
Signing statement for SB 53, the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act.
Governor Newsom signs SB 53, advancing California's world-leading artificial intelligence industry →
29 Sept 2024 · Open letter · Office of the Governor of California
Let me be clear - I agree with the author - we cannot afford to wait for a major catastrophe to occur before taking action to protect the public. California will not abandon its responsibility. Safety protocols must be adopted. Proactive guardrails should be implemented, and severe consequences for bad actors must be clear and enforceable.
Governor of California, State of California at the time
The veto message for Wiener's SB 1047; he objected to the bill's compute threshold, not to regulating frontier AI.
SB 1047 Veto Message →