In 2007, Gavin Newsom’s rapid political ascent encountered its first major hurdle. Amidst his divorce from his first wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle, a television presenter and lawyer, Newsom was embroiled in a national scandal. It emerged that he had a brief affair with his appointments secretary, who was married to his then-campaign manager. Despite the controversy, Newsom’s career survived after he made a frank admission during a press conference, taking full responsibility:
“I want to make it clear that everything you’ve heard and read is true.”
Newsom’s personal life took a new turn in 2008 when he married Jennifer Siebel, an actress and film director. Together, they have four children: Montana, Hunter, Brooklynn, and Dutch. Meanwhile, Guilfoyle went on to date Donald Trump Jr., highlighting the small world of American politics.
Political Ascent and Governance
Newsom briefly considered running for governor of California in 2009. However, facing strong opposition from the popular Jerry Brown, he opted to run as lieutenant governor instead. During his tenure, he achieved some progressive successes, such as tightening gun controls and legalizing marijuana. He also gained notoriety for designating the avocado as California’s official fruit.
This week, Newsom made headlines by banning the sale of Glock pistols and facilitating easier access to further education for high-school students. As Jerry Brown’s final term concluded, Newsom ran for governor in 2018 and won in a landslide. His campaign was bolstered by significant donations from influential San Francisco families, including the Pritzkers, Fishers, and the Getty family.
As governor, Newsom has enacted numerous progressive bills, such as mandating public colleges to offer abortion medications and banning smoking in state parks and beaches. He has also set ambitious goals, like banning the sale of petrol-powered cars by 2035 and requiring large retailers to offer a “gender-neutral” section for toys.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite his achievements, Newsom has faced criticism for California’s homelessness crisis, soaring house prices, and a sharp cost-of-living increase. A notable misstep occurred in 2020 when he dined mask-free at the French Laundry, a high-end restaurant, defying COVID-19 recommendations. This incident fueled a campaign to unseat him, which he ultimately survived.
Newsom’s willingness to challenge Donald Trump has sparked speculation about his presidential ambitions. Initially seen as a mediator between political divides, Newsom’s relationship with Trump and his supporters deteriorated dramatically. In early June, Trump sent the National Guard and 700 Marines into Los Angeles to crack down on undocumented immigrants, prompting a heated exchange between the two leaders.
“Come after me. Arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy,” Newsom retorted.
According to Natasha Lindstaedt, a professor of government at the University of Essex,
“We have rarely had a president getting into fights with governors. They usually need to work together and have a strong working relationship.”
Presidential Ambitions?
Newsom’s national profile has risen, positioning him as an unofficial leader of the Democratic resistance. According to Dafydd Townley from the University of Portsmouth,
“Democrats are unable to have any impact in Congress. Any resistance comes from the states themselves, and Newsom has assumed that leadership.”
As Newsom’s final term as governor ends in 2027, he may have the opportunity to launch a presidential campaign. However, he faces challenges, including his identity as a white, straight male in a party that may prefer a more diverse candidate. Tim Lynch, a professor of American politics, describes him as a “target-rich environment” electorally.
Despite these hurdles, Newsom’s potential rivals may lack his name recognition. Figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pete Buttigieg are mentioned as possible contenders, while others, such as Gretchen Whitmer and JB Pritzker, are lesser-known hopefuls. Townley also notes,
“Don’t rule out Michelle Obama being on a ticket somewhere.”
Newsom’s links to old money could alienate working-class voters, and his stance on certain issues, like trans rights, may not align with the far left of his party. Nonetheless, he remains a formidable figure in Democratic politics.
The Road Ahead
Newsom’s immediate future involves a significant piece of California legislation. In response to Republican states redrawing congressional district boundaries, Newsom is holding a ballot to do the same for Democrats, potentially delivering his party five more seats in 2028. Bruce Wolpe suggests,
“If he wins that and California enacts it, that would be a big win for him. He becomes the giant-killer for the Democratic Party.”
As Newsom navigates these challenges, his political future remains uncertain. However, his ability to raise funds and influence national politics positions him as a key player in the Democratic Party’s future. Whether he can translate this into a successful presidential campaign remains to be seen, but his journey from scandal to speculation continues to captivate the nation.
