Charlene Zettel Appointed as New FPPC Commissioner, Bringing Decades of Leadership to California’s Political Watchdog
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2025
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shery Yang
(Sacramento, CA) - The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), California’s independent political watchdog, announces Charlene Zettel as its newest Commissioner. Appointed by State Controller Malia M. Cohen, Zettel brings decades of experience in state government, regulatory oversight, and nonprofit leadership. She joins the Commission as it continues its work to promote accountability and uphold California’s ethics and campaign finance laws.
Zettel, a trailblazer in California politics, made history as the first Republican Latina elected to the State Assembly, where she served from 1998 to 2002, representing the 75th District. During her tenure, she advanced legislation to protect seniors, children, and Californians with developmental disabilities, while also holding leadership posts including Republican Caucus Chair and Vice-Chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Committee.
“Charlene Zettel brings a deep understanding of California’s legislative and regulatory landscape,” said FPPC Chair Adam E. Silver. “As a former lawmaker and public servant with decades of experience in oversight and accountability, she understands the importance of transparency, integrity, and public trust in our institutions. Her perspective will greatly strengthen the FPPC’s mission to uphold ethical standards across California.”
Appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004, Zettel led the Department of Consumer Affairs, managing over 40 licensing boards regulating 2.5 million professionals. She also spearheaded collaborative enforcement efforts targeting identity theft and online threats to children. Later, as a University of California Regent for 12 years, she chaired oversight of high-stakes institutions including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
“It’s an honor to join one of the nation’s leading political watchdogs,” said Zettel. “I look forward to advancing the FPPC’s work to ensure transparency, ethical governance, and public trust.”
The FPPC is a five-member, nonpartisan commission tasked with enforcing California’s Political Reform Act, which governs campaign finance, lobbying, conflicts of interest, and ethics in government. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor (two seats), State Controller, Attorney General, and Secretary of State for four-year terms beginning after each presidential election.
The mission of the Fair Political Practices Commission is to promote the integrity of state and local government in California through fair, impartial interpretation and enforcement of political campaign, lobbying and conflict of interest laws.
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