Newsom’s Final Budget Includes $33K Portrait of Himself

New York Post reports that the portrait funding appears in Newsom’s proposed 2026-27 budget under “Governor’s Portrait,” designated for what budget documents describe as the traditional painting to hang in the State Capitol alongside every other California governor in history.

The $33,000 would be drawn from California’s General Fund during a period when Democratic lawmakers and state budget analysts are actively discouraging new discretionary spending. The Golden State confronts long-term structural budget deficits while residents struggle with elevated gas prices, skyrocketing housing costs, and increasingly expensive healthcare services.

Republican State Senator Suzette Valladares of Santa Clarita dismissed the portrait’s price tag with pointed criticism.

Only in Sacramento would a governor look at struggling families and think, ‘You know what this moment needs? A painting of me,’ she stated.

Republican Assemblymember Alexandra M. Macedo of Fresno, who has repeatedly criticized Newsom over the troubled high-speed rail project scheduled to begin service in her district in 2032, characterized the governor’s proposed portrait as a fitting symbol of modern California governance.

Macedo remarked that future generations would at least have a painting to remember who continued spending billions carving a permanent scar through prime Central Valley farmland for a train that will never connect Northern and Southern California.

Historical Precedent and Cost Comparisons

California governors have historically had official portraits displayed in the Capitol following their departure from office. Jerry Brown established this practice with a notably controversial portrait in 1984, which legislators jokingly told New York magazine appeared painted with spilled ketchup and soy sauce.

The artist, Don Bachardy, received approximately $13,000 for that work, equivalent to roughly $41,000 when adjusted for inflation.

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger personally financed his own massive portrait, painted by Austrian-born artist Gottfried Helnwein, for an undisclosed sum.

Broader Legacy Project Draws Criticism

The portrait request arrives at an especially awkward moment, according to New York Post, following revelations that Newsom embedded a vague $20 million “Governors’ Legacies” fund into his final, record-setting $349.9 billion budget plan.

The proposal would grant the administration authority to distribute money to state departments for unspecified projects honoring California’s living former governors just months before Newsom himself becomes eligible for such recognition. He has also hired a dedicated photographer at an annual cost of $200,000.

Republican State Senator Brian Jones of San Diego told New York Post that the governor’s vanity knows no bounds, describing the behavior as brazen and egomaniacal. Jones compared the displays to propaganda tactics employed by infamous dictators, adding that gilded pageantry would not fool Californians suffering under his regime.

Newsom’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the portrait after defending the $20 million proposal. A spokesperson claimed the “Legacies” plan excludes spending on the current governor and would focus on public service and policy milestones of past living governors from both parties.

Bipartisan Legislative Pushback

Democratic lawmakers have openly criticized the broader legacy proposal in recent budget hearings.

Democratic State Senator Caroline Menjivar of Los Angeles called the $20 million fund absurd during a budget hearing focused on healthcare services, stating she does not care to recognize the legacy of governors past or present but instead cares about seniors having health insurance and seniors with disabilities having health insurance.

Democratic State Senator Christopher Cabaldon of Yolo County complained that lawmakers were being asked to approve millions of dollars without a clear plan, comparing the idea to President Trump’s White House ballroom renovations. Cabaldon emphasized there is really nothing substantive in the proposal.

Pattern of Self-Commemoration

Newsom has established a track record of self-tributes throughout his political career. A bronze bust commemorating his tenure as San Francisco mayor was installed at City Hall in 2018, months before his election as governor. That $100,000 sculpture was privately funded.

With information from New York Post