# Newsom Appoints Convicted Aide to California Historical Commission Governor Gavin Newsom faces backlash for appointing Nathan Ballard, who has a domestic violence conviction. - **Source:** [Los Angeles Times – California](https://www.latimes.com/california) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/34f70f6d-cdcf-409b-ae4b-f0c5330213d8 ## Controversial Commission Appointment California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Nathan Ballard to the State Historical Resources Commission. Ballard, a former aide to Newsom, will join eight other commissioners tasked with designating state historical landmarks. The appointment, announced Friday evening, has sparked immediate public debate regarding the suitability of individuals with criminal records for government roles. ## Domestic Violence Conviction Details In 2020, Ballard was arrested following an incident at a resort where he pushed his then-wife into a glass door and held a pillow over his daughter's head. He pleaded no contest in 2021 to misdemeanor corporal injury against his spouse and child endangerment, receiving four years of probation for these actions. ## Governor's Stance on Accountability A spokesperson for Newsom stated that the governor considers experience and qualifications when making appointments. The administration emphasized that while abuse is unacceptable and requires accountability, the governor also believes in the principle of second chances. This philosophy remains the core justification for returning a former aide to a public position. ## Historical Professional Ties Ballard served as Newsom’s communications director between 2007 and 2010 during his tenure as San Francisco mayor. His political background includes roles with the Democratic National Committee and the California Democratic Party. He also acted as John Kerry’s California press secretary during the 2004 presidential campaign, currently working as a private attorney. ## Public and Advocacy Backlash Critics, including Ivy Lee from the San Francisco Mayor’s Office for Victims’ Rights, have questioned the decision to elevate perpetrators of abuse. Nadia Rahman, former president of the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee, described the appointment as egregious, arguing that it normalizes abusive behavior and reintroduces offenders into powerful California political circles. ## Ballard's Public Service Goals Ballard expressed gratitude for the governor’s support despite the controversy surrounding his selection. He stated his intention to focus on preserving California’s cultural heritage and addressing housing cost pressures. He acknowledged that he and the governor have maintained a professional relationship for decades, having navigated various challenges together throughout their careers. ## Response to Political Criticism When questioned about the pushback, Ballard noted his own history of exploiting opponents' weaknesses during policy battles. He stated that he understands the conviction behind the criticism directed at him. He remains focused on his return to public service, viewing the appointment as an opportunity to contribute to state historical preservation efforts. ## Broader Political Context This appointment occurs amidst a period of scrutiny regarding Newsom's staffing choices and political associations. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between political loyalty and public expectations regarding character standards for state officials. Observers are now watching how this appointment will influence future discussions on vetting processes for California state commission members. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-11-07/newsom-appoints-former-aide-convicted-in-domestic-violence-case-to-state-commission — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._