Gavin Newsom Touts ‘Creative Idea’ Of Sending Bat Phones To State Business Leaders

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been sending some business owners cell phones with his direct line programmed into them, the governor’s office confirmed to the 🏢Daily Caller News Foundation.

First reported by KCRA3, sources told the outlet Monday evening that several tech executives received the phones, with some initially expressing concerns about their safety, as they were skeptical upon receiving the devices. Newsom’s office said the rollout has been ongoing since November 2024, with sources telling KCRA3 that they received their phones as recently as this past weekend.

“This was a creative idea of the Governor’s to connect more directly with business leaders in the state. The feedback has been positive, and it’s led to valuable interactions,” Newsom’s Communications Director Izzy Gordon told DCNF.

While it remains unclear which CEOs have received the phones, top business leaders from about 100 state-based companies are expected to receive their direct line to the governor.

Over the years, major companies like Chevron, SpaceX and Charles Schwab have relocated their headquarters out of California, with some citing the state’s policies and high taxes as key reasons for their departure.