California Governor Budget Includes $33,000 for Official Portrait

The governor's proposed 2026-27 budget includes $33,000 for an official portrait to be displayed in the State Capitol alongside portraits of previous governors. The funding would come from the state's General Fund at a time when new discretionary spending faces scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers and state budget analysts.

The same budget document contains a $20 million allocation labeled "Governors' Legacies" to support projects honoring living former governors. A spokesperson for the governor stated the fund would not cover the current governor and would focus on public service milestones of past governors from both parties.

Democratic State Sen. Caroline Menjivar called the $20 million fund "absurd" during a budget hearing on health care services. Democratic State Sen. Christopher Cabaldon said lawmakers were being asked to approve millions without a clear plan.

Republican Criticism Republican State Sen.

Suzette Valladares said the portrait request showed misplaced priorities given economic pressures on families. Republican Assemblymember Alexandra M. Macedo described the portrait proposal as a tribute to current governance practices. Republican State Sen.

Brian Jones said the request reflected ongoing self-focused spending. The governor's office did not respond to requests for comment on the portrait request. California governors have traditionally commissioned portraits after leaving office, with past examples funded privately or through state resources.