Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Ann Patterson

3. Ann Patterson

We thought she was out, but like Michael Corleone she just keeps getting pulled back in. For years Patterson served as Newsom’s Cabinet Secretary, essentially his top advisor on, well, everything. But this year has been one of big transitions in Newsomworld, including the ascension of Patterson’s husband Nathan Barankin to the Chief of Staff role. So exactly nobody was surprised when Patterson announced she would be leaving. Alas, she instead transitioned into a senior advisory role focusing exclusively on the recovery efforts around the devastating fires in Los Angeles. She has spent copious amounts of time on the ground there, serving as Newsom’s eyes and ears for the start of what is expected to be a years-long effort. She has also done her best to bring her replacement, Nani Coloretti, up to speed on all things Gavin-related. That alone would be a big job, never mind the fire recovery oversight, the success or failure of which could have an outsized impact on Newsom’s post-gubernatorial ambitions. And speaking of Nani Coloretti…

Updated Aug. 26, 2025