NewsNY Post PoliticsMay 9, 2026United States
Governor Newsom Appoints Top Advisers to High-Speed Rail Board
Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed two of his closest political allies, Jason Elliott and Steve Kawa, to the High-Speed Rail Authority board, replacing the outgoing chair and vice chair. The move comes as the project faces significant scrutiny over ballooning costs, with some estimates suggesting a total completion price of up to $231 billion.
Read the full story at NY Post PoliticsWhy It Matters
The appointment of two long-time Newsom advisers to the board shifts direct oversight of the state's largest infrastructure project to the governor's inner circle as the project faces ongoing fiscal and timeline challenges.
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Who's Mentioned
personDavid Tangipadollar_amount$33 billiondatenext yearlocationSan FranciscodateFridaylocationFresnodate2019locationBakersfieldpersonEd LeepersonJason Elliottdatethis yeardollar_amount$45 billionlocationLos AngelesorganizationHigh-Speed Rail Authoritydate2020other171locationCentral ValleypersonTom RichardslocationMerceddate2032personAlexandra Macedodollar_amount$231 billionpersonAnthony MartinezlocationSacramentopersonSteve KawapersonNancy MillerpersonGavin NewsomdateFebruarydollar_amount$126 billion