California Governor Gavin Newsom faced criticism for appointing mostly white people to state offices in 2023, as reported by Hispanas Organized for Political Equality.
Despite some progress in appointing more people of color and achieving near gender parity, nonwhite individuals remain underrepresented in positions crucial for advising the governor’s administration and shaping statewide policies.
The report revealed that 52% of appointments went to white individuals, despite white people making up 34% of California’s population.
This lack of racial diversity may pose a challenge for Newsom’s national political ambitions.
Although Newsom’s appointments were lawful under Proposition 209, which prohibits race-based considerations, the Democratic legislature is considering a referendum to address racial inequalities.
