Ian Choudri, chief executive of California’s High-Speed Rail Authority, resigned abruptly on Wednesday amid mounting criticism over the project’s escalating costs, delays, and questionable expenditures. Choudri, who assumed the role earlier this year, cited personal and family reasons in a letter to authority executives as the motivation for his departure.
California’s Department of Finance director Joe Stephenshaw was appointed interim CEO following Choudri’s exit, according to board chair Steve Kawa. Kawa framed the resignation as part of a renewed commitment to accountability and transparency, echoing directives from Governor Gavin Newsom under the authority’s new leadership.
Choudri’s tenure was marked by significant challenges, including the loss of billions in federal funding after a state review concluded there was no viable path forward for the project. The authority also faced scrutiny when its inspector general reported approval of hundreds of thousands of dollars in questionable travel expenses for consultants, including outings to an escape room and a cigar lounge. Growing concerns over Choudri’s role in these approvals led the board to reduce his contract-signing powers earlier this month.
Political pressure intensified in recent weeks. Assemblymember Alexandra M. Macedo (R-Tulare), representing an area where construction is underway, publicly urged the board to remove Choudri. Additionally, gubernatorial candidates in California have taken strong positions: Democrat Xavier Becerra indicated he would remove Choudri if elected, while Republican Steve Hilton pledged to cancel the entire high-speed rail project. The troubled initiative also poses a potential political liability for Governor Newsom amid speculation about a 2028 presidential bid.
Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) called for the project’s termination, criticizing the leadership changes as insufficient solutions to ongoing issues. “Californians deserve accountability, not another revolving door of leadership,” he said, referencing the state’s high gas taxes and calling the project a “high-speed fail.”
Choudri’s resignation comes shortly after the authority board approved environmental clearance for the final 33-mile segment of the first phase, stretching from Anaheim to Los Angeles. This approval completes the environmental process for the roughly 500-mile route from Anaheim to San Francisco, although most of the route remains unfunded and construction has only commenced on a 119-mile section in the Central Valley. The $8.8 billion L.A.-Anaheim leg passes through multiple communities, including Fullerton, Buena Park, and Vernon.
Local opposition surfaced during public comments, with residents and business leaders from Vernon expressing concerns about potential job losses and environmental harm. Marisa Olguin, president and CEO of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, warned that the project threatens 37 businesses and over 1,200 jobs crucial to the region’s economic health. Board member Martha Escutia also highlighted environmental justice issues affecting communities along the route, noting their history of environmental degradation.
In addition to the environmental clearance, the board approved a contract with Siemens Mobility to design and manufacture three high-speed train sets.
Board Vice Chair Anthony Williams acknowledged Choudri’s contributions, stating that he had taken on the leadership role during a difficult period and had helped advance the project despite significant obstacles.