Gavin Newsom is an American Democratic politician who served as California's 40th governor from January 2019 through the end of 2026. A prominent figure in national Democratic politics, Newsom previously served as mayor of San Francisco and lieutenant governor of California. His career has included major policy initiatives, electoral victories, and controversies involving his personal life, pandemic restrictions, homelessness, and political relationships.
Born on October 10, 1967, in San Francisco, Newsom first established himself as a businessman before entering public office. His personal history has also attracted considerable attention, particularly his marriage to television personality Kimberly Guilfoyle, his affair with a former aide who was married to his campaign manager, and his subsequent marriage to filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
Gavin Newsom Quick Facts
- Full name: Gavin Christopher Newsom
- Date of birth: October 10, 1967
- Age: 59
- Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
- Political party: Democratic Party
- Profession: Politician and former businessman
- First wife: Kimberly Guilfoyle
- Current wife: Jennifer Siebel Newsom
- Children: Four
- Education: Santa Clara University, bachelor's degree in political science
- Former position: Governor of California
Who Was Gavin Newsom's First Wife?
Gavin Newsom's first wife was Kimberly Guilfoyle, an attorney and television personality who later became a prominent conservative political commentator.
The couple married in December 2001 after meeting through their professional and social connections in San Francisco. At the time, Newsom was building his reputation as a businessman and local politician, while Guilfoyle was gaining recognition through her legal career and television appearances.
Their marriage attracted significant public attention, particularly after Newsom became mayor of San Francisco in 2004. They were frequently portrayed as an influential political and social couple in the city.
However, their relationship became strained as their professional commitments increasingly took them in different directions. Guilfoyle pursued television opportunities in New York, while Newsom remained focused on his political career in California.
They announced their separation in January 2005, and their divorce was finalized in 2006. Both subsequently developed prominent but politically different public profiles.
Gavin Newsom's Affair With His Campaign Manager's Wife
One of the most widely publicized personal controversies in Newsom's political career involved an affair with Ruby Rippey-Tourk, a former appointments secretary in his San Francisco mayoral administration.
Rippey-Tourk was married to Alex Tourk, who was not only Newsom's close friend but also his campaign manager and former deputy chief of staff.
The affair reportedly began in July 2005, several months after Newsom and Guilfoyle separated. It continued intermittently until 2006, while Rippey-Tourk was still married to Tourk.
The relationship became public in February 2007 after Rippey-Tourk disclosed it to her husband. Tourk subsequently resigned from Newsom's administration.
Newsom acknowledged the affair during a public news conference and apologized for betraying the trust of people close to him. He also announced that he was seeking professional assistance for his problems with alcohol.
The controversy resurfaced in July 2026 when Rippey-Tourk published a first-person account of the relationship in Vanity Fair. She described the personal consequences of the affair and reflected on the unequal power dynamics involved in a relationship with her employer.
Rippey-Tourk also explained that she accepted responsibility for her own decisions while recognizing that Newsom, as her superior, had a responsibility to maintain professional boundaries.
Newsom's spokesperson responded that the governor had acknowledged his actions and apologized publicly nearly two decades earlier. The office declined to provide further comment.
Who Is Gavin Newsom's Current Wife?
Newsom married Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a filmmaker and documentary producer, on July 26, 2008, in Montana.
Jennifer has directed and produced documentaries examining gender representation, social expectations, and women's experiences. Her work has included projects addressing the portrayal of women in media and the impact of gender stereotypes.
As California's First Partner, she has supported initiatives involving education, gender equality, and family well-being.
The couple have four children: Montana, Hunter, Brooklynn, and Dutch. Their family life has occasionally featured in Newsom's public appearances and political campaigns.
Did Gavin Newsom Get Reelected?
Yes. Gavin Newsom won reelection as California governor in November 2022, defeating Republican state senator Brian Dahle with approximately 59% of the vote.
His political journey to a second term included a significant challenge in September 2021, when he faced a recall election organized by opponents of his administration.
The recall campaign was driven by dissatisfaction with his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, business restrictions, homelessness, and other state policies. Newsom successfully defeated the effort, with approximately 62% of voters rejecting his removal from office.
After winning a second term in 2022, Newsom continued serving as governor until the end of 2026.
However, he was constitutionally barred from seeking another consecutive term because California limits governors to two consecutive four-year terms.
In the November 3, 2026 gubernatorial election, Democrat Xavier Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton. Becerra is scheduled to succeed Newsom in January 2027.
Major Gavin Newsom Controversies
Newsom's political career has involved several controversies that have generated criticism from political opponents, media organizations, and California residents. Some concern his personal decisions, while others involve government policies and the administration of the state.
The French Laundry Dinner During COVID-19
One of the most damaging controversies of Newsom's governorship occurred in November 2020, when he attended a private birthday dinner at the upscale French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley.
The event took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his administration was encouraging Californians to limit social gatherings and follow public health precautions.
Photographs and reports showed Newsom attending the dinner with guests from multiple households, including political lobbyist Jason Kinney. The incident triggered criticism because his personal behavior appeared inconsistent with the restrictions and precautions his administration had been promoting.
Newsom subsequently apologized, acknowledging that he had made a mistake and should have left rather than attended the gathering.
The controversy damaged his public image and became an important issue during the 2021 recall campaign.
The 2021 Recall Election
Newsom faced a serious political challenge when opponents launched a campaign to remove him from office through California's recall process.
Criticism focused on pandemic restrictions, school closures, economic disruption, homelessness, and dissatisfaction with state leadership.
The recall election took place on September 14, 2021. Newsom defeated the effort, with approximately 61.9% of voters choosing to keep him in office.
Although he survived the recall, the campaign exposed significant political divisions over his administration and demonstrated the challenges facing Democratic leadership in California.
Homelessness and California's Housing Crisis
Homelessness and housing affordability have remained major challenges throughout Newsom's time as governor.
California has faced persistent problems involving expensive housing, limited affordable accommodation, and visible homeless encampments in major cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Newsom has supported increased housing construction, expanded shelter capacity, and state funding for local homelessness programs. His administration has also pushed cities to take stronger action against encampments.
However, critics have questioned whether the billions of dollars allocated to homelessness programs have produced sufficient results. Disagreements over spending accountability, local government responsibilities, and the effectiveness of housing initiatives have kept the issue politically contentious.
Political Relationships and Lobbying Concerns
Newsom has also faced questions about his relationships with influential political donors, business figures, and lobbyists.
The French Laundry dinner brought particular attention to his friendship with Jason Kinney, a lobbyist who hosted the event. Critics questioned the proximity between government officials and individuals with financial or political interests in state decisions.
Although the dinner itself did not establish wrongdoing, it intensified broader discussions about political access, transparency, and public accountability in California.
How Tall Is Gavin Newsom?
Gavin Newsom is frequently listed by online celebrity and biographical databases as being approximately 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall.
However, his official government biography does not provide a confirmed height measurement. Therefore, the figure should be treated as an unverified commonly reported measurement rather than an established official fact.
What Political Party Is Gavin Newsom?
Gavin Newsom is a member of the Democratic Party. He has held elected office as a Democrat throughout his political career, including serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming mayor of San Francisco, serving as California lieutenant governor, and eventually becoming governor.
His political positions generally support abortion rights, same-sex marriage, environmental protection, gun safety legislation, and expanded access to healthcare.
Newsom has also become an influential national Democratic figure, frequently challenging Republican policies and engaging in political debates beyond California.
What Happens to Gavin Newsom After His Governorship?
Newsom's departure from the governor's office does not necessarily mark the end of his political influence.
His national profile, fundraising network, and involvement in major Democratic policy debates have generated speculation about a possible presidential campaign in 2028.
However, discussions about his presidential prospects should be distinguished from a formal announcement of candidacy.
His political legacy will likely be assessed through both his policy achievements and the controversies that shaped his administration, including his handling of the pandemic, housing affordability, homelessness, and relationships with influential political figures.
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