# Gavin Newsom hands coveted state job to ex-spokesman five years after domestic violence case

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/gavin-newsom-hands-coveted-state-job-to-ex-spokesman-five-years-after-domestic-violence-case/
- Published: 2026-11-09T21:28:29+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-09T22:39:49+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/09/us-news/gavin-newsom-appoints-ex-spokesman-nathan-ballard-to-california-commission-after-domestic-violence-case/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Newsom appointed former aide Nathan Ballard to a California commission.
- Ballard pleaded no contest to two misdemeanours in 2021.
- The part-time post pays $100 per day and needs no Senate confirmation.

## Summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed former spokesman Nathan Ballard to the State Historical Resources Commission, drawing scrutiny because Ballard pleaded no contest in 2021 to misdemeanour domestic violence and child endangerment. Newsom’s office said it considered Ballard’s qualifications, condemned abuse and believed in second chances.

The case stemmed from a 2020 family trip; Ballard received four years’ probation, completed it in 2025 without violations and says he has maintained sobriety since 2020. He continues to deny the allegations and says he accepts the criticism of his appointment. The commission role pays $100 per day served and does not require Senate confirmation; Newsom appointed another former San Francisco official to a separate state commission the day before.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.