Gov. Gavin Newsom faces ethics probe as data center debate heats up in California

California Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, a Republican from San Diego, filed a request with the Fair Political Practices Commission and Attorney General Rob Bonta asking for an investigation into Governor Gavin Newsom. DeMaio alleges that the governor used taxpayer‑funded resources, including a legal affairs secretary, to submit a Freedom of Information Act request concerning a U.S. Department of Justice investigation of Newsom and his wife. He cites Government Code 8314, which bars public officials from using state resources for personal purposes, and notes that violations could result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day.

Separately, Newsom’s handling of data‑center regulation is under renewed scrutiny. After vetoing a bill that would have required data centers to estimate water use, the governor now faces several new legislative proposals aimed at increasing transparency on the water, energy and carbon impacts of expanding AI‑driven facilities. Critics point to the massive resource demands and emissions of modern data centers, while public opposition has grown, exemplified by a recent municipal ban in Monterey Park. The issues intersect with Newsom’s broader political positioning ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.