Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Ann Patterson

No. 3 Ann Patterson

We keep thinking Ann Patterson has finally ridden off into the sunset for a well-deserved break from the perpetual stress of the governor’s office. But while she might not be his official Cabinet Secretary or even in the office every day the way she once was, Patterson is most definitely not sitting on a beach with an umbrella drink and a fine summer read. To be honest, it always seemed fanciful to think that Patterson – who is married to Chief of Staff Nathan Barankin – would or could ever really exit stage left from the bubble that is Newsomworld. And there’s a good reason for that. As with so many in the governor’s orbit, she is beyond intelligent, monumentally versatile and exceedingly loyal to the man. She is in fact still operating as the governor’s point person on any number of Big Projects and Negotiations, from the L.A. fire recovery to various ballot measure issues Newsom has strong feelings over. And when she talks, he listens. Not everyone can say that. So whatever title she does or does not hold at the moment, we feel safe saying that Patterson remains one of the most influential people in this administration.

Updated Aug. 11, 2026