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Gavin Newsom

Gavin Christopher Newsom is an American politician and businessman who has served as governor of California since 2019.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gavin Christopher Newsom is an American politician and businessman who has served as governor of California since 2019. A Democrat, he previously served as lieutenant governor of California and as mayor of San Francisco. Before entering statewide office, he built a business career in wine, restaurants, hotels, and related ventures.

Early life and business career

Newsom was born in San Francisco and later attended Santa Clara University. After college, he launched a wine shop that grew into the PlumpJack Group, which expanded into restaurants, hotels, and wineries.

Political career in San Francisco

Newsom’s first political roles were on the San Francisco Parking and Traffic Commission and later the Board of Supervisors. He was elected mayor of San Francisco in 2003 and served from 2004 to 2011.

Statewide offices

He served as lieutenant governor of California from 2011 to 2019. In 2019, he became governor of California and has remained in office since then.

Personal life and public profile

Newsom has been married to Jennifer Siebel Newsom since 2008. He has also attracted national attention for his positions on social issues and his role in California politics.

Key facts

  • Gavin Newsom has been governor of California since 2019.
  • He previously served as lieutenant governor of California and mayor of San Francisco.
  • Newsom is a member of the Democratic Party.
  • He founded and expanded the PlumpJack business group before his political career.
  • He survived a recall election in 2021.
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Canadian context

Newsom is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through California’s economic, environmental, and trade ties with Canada, as well as his visibility in North American politics.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Gavin Newsom?
Gavin Newsom was born on October 10, 1967, which makes him 58 years old as of July 2026.
Who is Gavin Newsom married to?
He is married to Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
What is Gavin Newsom's net worth?
A reliable current net worth figure is not provided in the supplied sources. Public estimates vary, so it should be treated cautiously.
Was Gavin Newsom recalled?
Yes. He survived California’s 2021 gubernatorial recall election and remained governor after voters chose not to remove him.
What political party is Gavin Newsom?
He is a member of the Democratic Party.
What did Gavin Newsom do before being governor?
Before becoming governor, he was lieutenant governor of California, mayor of San Francisco, and a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He also built a business career in wine, restaurants, hotels, and related ventures.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Newsom
    Supports: Birth date, party, offices held, and basic biography.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gavin-Newsom
    Supports: Birth date, party, and offices held.
  3. Governor of California — https://www.gov.ca.gov/about/
    Supports: Education, business background, and early political roles.
  4. USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/11/who-is-gavin-newsom-california-governor-battling-trump/84135625007/
    Supports: Marital history, party, and offices held.
  5. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/politics/gavin-newsom-fast-facts
    Supports: Business background, mayoralty, statewide offices, and early career.
  6. The American Presidency Project — https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/people/other/gavin-newsom
    Supports: Party affiliation.