Governor: Gavin Newsom

The Governor is the head of the executive branch of the California state government. The California Governor serves as chief executive of the state government and commander-in-chief of the California National Guard and the California State Military Reserve. After serving as Lieutenant Governor under Jerry Brown, Gavin Newsom was elected Governor on November 6, 2018.

 

Lt. Governor: Eleni Kounalakis

The Lieutenant Governor of California is a statewide constitutional officer who serves as vice-executive of the State of California. The Lt. Governor performs ceremonial duties, serves as acting governor in the Governor’s absence, and is President of the California State Senate. Eleni Kounalakis was elected to the office on November 6, 2018.

 

Attorney General: Xavier Becerra

It’s the California State Attorney General’s duty to ensure that the state’s laws are uniformly and adequately enforced. The AG carries out the responsibilities of the office through the California Department of Justice. Current State AG Xavier Becerra has held the office since 2017.

 

Secretary of State: Alex Padilla

The Secretary of State is the state’s chief clerk, overseeing all federal and state elections within the state, and maintaining the state’s voter database. Additionally, the office is responsible for disclosing campaign and lobbyist financial information and overseeing the Business Programs Division. The Secretary of State is elected to a four-year term. Current Secretary of State, Alex Padilla, has held the office since 2015.

 

Controller: Betty Yee

The California State Controller serves as the state’s Chief Financial Officer. With broader responsibilities and authority than the Treasurer, the Controller maintains comprehensive investigative authority over state expenditures. The Controller is also an ex-officio member of the Board of Equalization. Current Controller, Betty Yee has held the office since 2015.

 

Treasurer: Fiona Ma

The Treasurer oversees California’s investments and finances, issues bonds and notes for the state, and serves as registrar and paying agent for general obligation bonds and certain revenue bonds. The Treasurer serves a four-year term. Current treasurer, Fiona Ma was elected in November, 2018 and garnered more votes than any other candidate for treasurer in state history.

 

Insurance Commissioner: Ricardo Lara

The Insurance Commissioner oversees the California Department of Insurance. Once an appointed position, the Insurance Commissioner became an elected executive office position in 1991. Ricardo Lara was elected to a four-year term in November, 2018 after serving in the State Senate.

 

State Superintendent of Public Instruction: Tony Thurmond

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) is a nonpartisan elected officer in charge of overseeing the functions of the California Department of Education. The SPI executes policies set forth by the State Board of Education, as well as heading and chairing the board. Tony Thurmond was elected to the office in November, 2018 after serving in the State Assembly.

 

State Senate President Pro Tempore: Toni G. Atkins

The President pro tempore is the highest-ranking leader and most powerful member of the California State Senate. The President pro tempore chairs the Senate Rules Committee and is elected by the State Senate at the beginning of each two-year session. The current President pro tempore is Toni G. Atkins.

 

State Senate Minority Leader: Patricia C. Bates

The State Senate Minority Leader is elected by the minority party caucus, according to their party’s current strength in the chamber. The current Minority Leader is Republican Patricia C. Bates.

 

Speaker of the State Assembly: Anthony Rendon

The Speaker is the chief leadership position of the Assembly and presides over the body, controlling the flow of legislation and committee assignments. The Speaker is not an elected office, but rather is nominated by the caucus of the majority party and elected to the full Assembly. The current speaker is Anthony Rendon, who has held the Speakership since 2016.