Political Appointments in California

What is a Political Appointment?

A political appointment is a job in state government that is filled by a governor’s appointment. These appointees do not complete a standard civil service application or sit for a civil service exam, in contrast with career civil servants.

In California, the governor has the authority to appoint leadership roles across the executive branch, including:

Agency and department leadership
Members of state boards and commissions
Advisors in the governor’s office
Judicial appointments

Appointees play a key role in carrying out a governor’s policy priorities, managing large state agencies, regulating industries and services and delivering programs that affect millions of Californians.

When do Appointments Happen?

Appointments typically occur:

At the start of a new governor’s term
As positions open throughout a governor’s term

How the Appointments Process Works

Although details vary, most California political appointments follow a similar process:

1. Application or Recruitment
Interested candidates should find and apply to appointed positions through the governor’s Application for Appointment. Candidates may also be identified through networks or recommendations.
2. Vetting
Qualified applicants who advance for consideration undergo a rigorous vetting process through the Governor’s Office Appointments Unit. Candidates are interviewed, screened for ethics and conflicts of interest (including through a Form 700 financial disclosure) and evaluated for alignment the governor’s priorities and opportunities for talent from across the state.
3. Selection & Appointment
The governor makes a final selection from the candidate pool.

Some appointed positions – including cabinet-level department heads, agency secretaries and members of key state boards and commissions – require confirmation by the State Senate. In these cases, the governor formally nominates an candidate and the Senate conducts an independent vetting process before deciding whether to advance the nomination to a committee hearing and, ultimately, a floor vote. The Senate has up to 365 days to act on a nomination. While awaiting Senate action, a nominee takes the oath of office and may begin serving in their role.

For appointed positions that do not require Senate confirmation, the governor’s final selection is appointed directly, then takes the oath of office and assumes the role.
4. Onboarding
Onboarding is typically managed by the agency, department or board an appointee joins.

As part of the onboarding process, new appointees are expected to carefully review the rules and ethical standards that govern work in state government, helping ensure they are prepared to serve effectively and responsibly.

Political Appointees vs. Civil Service Employees

Political appointments differ from civil service jobs in several key ways. Both groups work together: appointees provide direction while civil servants ensure stability and expertise.

Political Appointees	Civil Service Employees
Selected and appointed by the governor and in some cases confirmed by the Senate	Hired through a competitive application process, including merit-based exams
Serve at the pleasure of the governor or for a specific term	Have long-term job protections
Focus on policy, leadership and oversight	Focus on day-to-day operations and continuity

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization. Resumes, policy and personnel recommendations intended for the gubernatorial administration should be directed to the Governor’s Office Appointments Unit at 916-445-4541 or appointments.office@gov.ca.gov.

What is a Political Appointment?

When do Appointments Happen?

How the Appointments Process Works

1. Application or Recruitment

2. Vetting

3. Selection & Appointment

4. Onboarding

Political Appointees vs. Civil Service Employees

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