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NewsNY Post PoliticsApril 4, 2026United States

California to Spend $19M on PR Firm to Improve State's Image

California Governor Gavin Newsom has awarded a $19 million contract to a New York PR firm to improve the state's national image. The firm, Edelman, will work to combat negative narratives about California and promote its economy and tourism. The contract begins on April 6 and will run through the end of the year.

public relationstaxpayer fundsgovernment spendingeconomic developmentpolitics
Read the full story at NY Post Politics

Why It Matters

California residents should care because their taxpayer dollars are being used to fund this PR campaign, which some critics argue is a form of government-funded spin.

Key Facts

  • The $19 million contract was awarded to Edelman, a New York PR firm.
  • The contract begins on April 6 and will run through the end of the year.
  • The PR campaign aims to combat negative narratives about California and promote its economy and tourism.
  • The contract was criticized by some as a form of government-funded spin.
  • The state agency responsible for the contract, GO-Biz, said the campaign would focus on California's success, not politics.

Who's Mentioned

dollar_amount$19 million“funded by taxpayer dollars”locationCalifornia“subject of PR campaign”dateApril 6“beginning of PR campaign”personKevin Dalton“criticized the contract on social media”personJennifer Siebel Newsom“mentioned as governor's partner”organizationEdelman“awarded $19 million contract”personChristine Bish“criticized the contract as government-funded spin”personGavin Newsom“awarded contract to Edelman”