Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said the phones, mailed to chief executives of some of the top 100 California-based companies, are part of an effort to 'connect more directly' with business leaders.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration has been sending cellphones to business executives in an effort to maintain relationships with some of California’s most powerful business leaders, according to his office.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) intensified personal outreach to business CEOs as major companies continue to leave the Golden State. Since November, the governor has sent roughly 100 leaders of California-based companies cellphones with his direct line programmed into them.