Ex-leading Harris staffer becomes part of Gavin Newsom’s team
Nathan Barankin has been appointed as a senior adviser to the governor, following his extensive experience in various leadership positions under Kamala Harris in both Washington and California.
TroibNews 
SACRAMENTO — Nathan Barankin, who began his career as a legislative fellow in Sacramento and later served as Kamala Harris' chief aide in both California and Washington, is set to join Gov. Gavin Newsom's senior staff on Tuesday, according to Barankin and multiple advisers who confirmed the news to PMG.
In the role of senior adviser to Newsom, Barankin returns to state government after several years as a political consultant and strategist. He previously held the position of chief of staff for Harris in the U.S. Senate and was also an adviser during her 2020 presidential campaign. Before his time in Washington, Barankin served as chief deputy attorney general of California under Harris, and briefly acted as the state's attorney general following her Senate swearing-in.
Barankin's entry into Newsom's team comes on the heels of Jason Elliott’s departure, who was a longstanding and close adviser to the governor. Although Barankin may not be as familiar with Newsom, he is expected to take on a diverse role described by aides as a “Swiss Army knife.”
He is married to Ann Patterson, Newsom’s cabinet secretary and a key legal adviser to the governor. With his addition, Barankin joins a senior team that includes Patterson, chief of staff Dana Williamson, senior counselor Jamie Callahan, legislative affairs secretary Christine Aurre, and top communications advisers Bob Salladay and Izzy Gardon.
“Barankin has a wealth of experience and is one of the steadiest hands in politics,” Williamson said, noting that she and Barankin have discussed Newsom’s style and approach. “He’s used to working with high-performing principals,” she added.
This appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for Newsom, who has approximately two years left in his governorship. Barankin expressed his long-held desire to work for a California governor, recalling his time in the state Legislature. His recent years in private sector consulting led him to realize he missed the rhythm and privilege of government work.
“California is my home,” said Barankin, who hails from San Diego and was raised in Sacramento. “I love this state and its people, and the opportunity to serve them on behalf of a governor who has already done so much for the state, and has so much more that he wants to accomplish, is an honor.”
Before transitioning to Washington with Harris, Barankin's career began as a fellow under then-state Sen. Bill Lockyer, who chaired the judiciary committee at the time. He continued working with Lockyer as he moved on to become Senate president pro tem, later following him to the attorney general’s office where he served for eight years as communications director. During Lockyer’s second term, Barankin earned his law degree from night classes at McGeorge.
After passing the bar, he worked under then-Attorney General Jerry Brown in civil defense and authored titles and summaries for ballot measures. Barankin also returned to the Capitol to serve as a legal adviser to then-Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, while Patterson assisted Harris with her transition into the attorney general’s office. In 2011, Barankin became Harris' second chief of staff.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
In the role of senior adviser to Newsom, Barankin returns to state government after several years as a political consultant and strategist. He previously held the position of chief of staff for Harris in the U.S. Senate and was also an adviser during her 2020 presidential campaign. Before his time in Washington, Barankin served as chief deputy attorney general of California under Harris, and briefly acted as the state's attorney general following her Senate swearing-in.
Barankin's entry into Newsom's team comes on the heels of Jason Elliott’s departure, who was a longstanding and close adviser to the governor. Although Barankin may not be as familiar with Newsom, he is expected to take on a diverse role described by aides as a “Swiss Army knife.”
He is married to Ann Patterson, Newsom’s cabinet secretary and a key legal adviser to the governor. With his addition, Barankin joins a senior team that includes Patterson, chief of staff Dana Williamson, senior counselor Jamie Callahan, legislative affairs secretary Christine Aurre, and top communications advisers Bob Salladay and Izzy Gardon.
“Barankin has a wealth of experience and is one of the steadiest hands in politics,” Williamson said, noting that she and Barankin have discussed Newsom’s style and approach. “He’s used to working with high-performing principals,” she added.
This appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for Newsom, who has approximately two years left in his governorship. Barankin expressed his long-held desire to work for a California governor, recalling his time in the state Legislature. His recent years in private sector consulting led him to realize he missed the rhythm and privilege of government work.
“California is my home,” said Barankin, who hails from San Diego and was raised in Sacramento. “I love this state and its people, and the opportunity to serve them on behalf of a governor who has already done so much for the state, and has so much more that he wants to accomplish, is an honor.”
Before transitioning to Washington with Harris, Barankin's career began as a fellow under then-state Sen. Bill Lockyer, who chaired the judiciary committee at the time. He continued working with Lockyer as he moved on to become Senate president pro tem, later following him to the attorney general’s office where he served for eight years as communications director. During Lockyer’s second term, Barankin earned his law degree from night classes at McGeorge.
After passing the bar, he worked under then-Attorney General Jerry Brown in civil defense and authored titles and summaries for ballot measures. Barankin also returned to the Capitol to serve as a legal adviser to then-Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, while Patterson assisted Harris with her transition into the attorney general’s office. In 2011, Barankin became Harris' second chief of staff.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
