High-Speed Rail Leader Takes Leave After Domestic Battery Arrest

Ian Choudri, CEO of the California High Speed Rail Authority, agreed to a temporary leave amid review of his recent arrest.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Ian Choudri, the CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, has taken a voluntary leave after news reports of his arrest on February 4th on suspicion of domestic battery against a spouse. The authority said Choudri agreed to the leave to allow its board of directors and the California State Transportation Agency to review and assess the situation. Choudri's attorney stated that the Sacramento district attorney's office declined to file charges in the case, and that the matter is now over.

Why it matters

Choudri is one of the highest-paid state employees in California, earning $563,000 last year, and his leadership of the state's high-speed rail project has been a focus of national political debate. The arrest and leave of absence raise questions about the authority's leadership and oversight during a critical time for the high-speed rail project.

The details

Choudri was arrested on February 4th at his home in Folsom, California. Police were called to his home by a third-party, according to Choudri's attorney. The Sacramento district attorney's office declined to file charges in the case, and Choudri's attorney said 'This matter is over and no further action will be taken.'

  • Choudri was arrested on February 4, 2026.
  • Choudri agreed to take a temporary leave on February 18, 2026.
  • The High Speed Rail Authority's Board of Directors is scheduled to meet next on March 4, 2026.

The players

Ian Choudri

The CEO of the California High Speed Rail Authority, who was recently arrested on suspicion of domestic battery against a spouse.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who praised Choudri's appointment as CEO in 2024 and has been eager to show progress on the high-speed rail project before leaving office.

Brian Kelly

The former CEO of the California High Speed Rail Authority, who retired before Choudri was appointed.

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What’s next

The High Speed Rail Authority's Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on March 4, 2026 to review and assess the situation regarding Choudri's leave of absence.

The takeaway

The arrest and leave of absence of the high-speed rail project's CEO raises concerns about the leadership and oversight of this critical infrastructure initiative, which has already faced significant cost overruns and political scrutiny. The outcome of the board's review will be closely watched as the project continues to move forward.