Early Life and Education of Gavin Newsom: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Gavin Newsom. A timeline of key moments.

Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the 40th governor of California since 2019. A Democrat, he previously held the position of the 49th Lieutenant Governor of California from 2011 to 2019. Prior to his statewide roles, Newsom was the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco, serving from 2004 to 2011. His career reflects a progression through local and state-level political offices in California.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

October 10, 1967: Gavin Newsom's Birth

On October 10, 1967, Gavin Christopher Newsom was born in San Francisco, California. His parents were Tessa Thomas (née Menzies) and William Alfred Newsom III, a state appeals court judge and attorney for Getty Oil.

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1971: Parents' Divorce

In 1971, when Gavin Newsom was three years old, his parents divorced, leading his mother, Tessa, to raise him and his younger sister largely on her own.

1985: Graduation from Redwood High School

In 1985, Gavin Newsom graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur, California, marking the completion of his secondary education.

1985: Elbow Surgery Ends Baseball Aspirations

In late 1985, Gavin Newsom underwent elbow surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament, ending his varsity baseball aspirations at Santa Clara University.

1989: Graduation from Santa Clara University

In 1989, Gavin Newsom graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Science in political science.

May 14, 1991: Formation of PlumpJack Associates L.P.

On May 14, 1991, Gavin Newsom and his investors created the company PlumpJack Associates L.P., marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial ventures.

1992: Founding of PlumpJack Winery

In 1992, Gavin Newsom started the PlumpJack Winery with financial assistance from family friend Gordon Getty, marking his entry into the wine industry.

1993: Opening of PlumpJack Cafe

In 1993, PlumpJack Cafe Partners L.P. opened the PlumpJack Café on Fillmore Street, adding to Gavin Newsom's growing business ventures.

1994: Opening of PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn

In 1994, the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn with a PlumpJack Café opened, contributing to the growth of Gavin Newsom's business portfolio.

1995: Volunteer for Willie Brown's Mayoral Campaign

In 1995, Gavin Newsom volunteered for Willie Brown's successful campaign for mayor, marking his first political experience.

1995: Expansion of PlumpJack Business

In 1995, Newsom and his investors expanded their business to include a winery in Napa Valley and the Balboa Café Bar and Grill, further diversifying his business interests.

1996: Appointment to Parking and Traffic Commission

In 1996, Gavin Newsom began his political career when San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown appointed him to the city's Parking and Traffic Commission.

1996: Formation of PlumpJack Development Fund L.P.

In 1996, the PlumpJack Development Fund L.P. was established, indicating the continued expansion and investment in Gavin Newsom's business ventures.

1997: Appointment to San Francisco Board of Supervisors

In 1997, Gavin Newsom was appointed to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors seat vacated by Kevin Shelley, becoming the youngest member of the board at the time.

1998: Elected to a Full Term on the Board of Supervisors

In 1998, Gavin Newsom was elected to a full four-year term to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

1998: First Election to Board of Supervisors

In 1998, Gavin Newsom was first elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, marking a significant step in his political career.

1998: Endorsement by Rescue Muni

In 1998, Gavin Newsom was one of two supervisors endorsed by Rescue Muni, a transit riders group, in his reelection bid.

1998: Opening of MatrixFillmore Bar

In 1998, the MatrixFillmore Bar opened, adding to Gavin Newsom's portfolio of businesses.

November 1999: Approval of Transit Measure

In November 1999, voters approved a version of a ballot measure sponsored by Gavin Newsom and Rescue Muni, aimed at reforming the city's municipal railway (Muni).

1999: Opening of PlumpJack Wines shop Noe Valley branch

In 1999, Gavin Newsom's PlumpJack Wines shop opened a branch in Noe Valley, expanding its retail presence.

1999: San Francisco Switches to District System

In 1999, San Francisco voters chose to abandon at-large elections to the Board of Supervisors for the previous district system.

2000: Expansion of PlumpJack Businesses

By 2000, Gavin Newsom and his investors had expanded their business ventures to include PlumpJackSport retail clothing and a second Balboa Café at Squaw Valley, showcasing the growth of his enterprise.

2000: Contribution to Republican Slate Mailer

In 2000, Gavin Newsom faced attacks during his mayoral campaign for contributing $500 to a Republican slate mailer that endorsed issues he supported.

2000: Re-election to Board of Supervisors and Republican Party Endorsement

In 2000, Gavin Newsom was re-elected to represent the second district on the Board of Supervisors and paid $500 to appear on the San Francisco Republican Party's endorsement slate.

December 2001: Newsom marries Kimberly Guilfoyle

In December 2001, Gavin Newsom married legal commentator Kimberly Guilfoyle at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church.

2001: Newsom's Income

From 1996 to 2001, Gavin Newsom's annual income was greater than $429,000.

2002: Re-election to Board of Supervisors

In 2002, Gavin Newsom was re-elected to represent the second district on the Board of Supervisors.

2002: Newsom's business holdings valued at more than $6.9 million.

In 2002, Gavin Newsom's business holdings were valued at more than $6.9 million, highlighting his success as an entrepreneur.

November 4, 2003: First Place in General Election

On November 4, 2003, Gavin Newsom placed first in the general election for mayor in a nine-person field, receiving 41.9% of the vote.

2003: Contender for Mayorship

In 2003, Gavin Newsom was a leading contender for the mayorship, with his Care Not Cash initiative having raised his political profile and provided crucial campaign resources.

2003: Election as Mayor of San Francisco

In 2003, Gavin Newsom was elected as the mayor of San Francisco, marking a significant milestone in his political career.

January 8, 2004: Swearing-in as Mayor

On January 8, 2004, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as mayor of San Francisco, promising unity and addressing issues such as public schools, potholes, and affordable housing.

July 1, 2004: Care Not Cash Implementation

On July 1, 2004, Gavin Newsom's initiative 'Care Not Cash' began implementation, providing permanent shelter for 5,000 homeless individuals in San Francisco.

October 27, 2004: Hotel Workers Strike Support

On October 27, 2004, Gavin Newsom joined UNITE HERE union members on a picket line in front of the Westin St. Francis Hotel during a strike by hotel workers. He pledged the city would boycott the hotels until they reached an agreement with workers.

2004: Newsom and Guilfoyle separate

In 2004, Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle separated.

2004: Sale of San Francisco Businesses

In 2004, Gavin Newsom sold his share of his San Francisco businesses when he became mayor, a move to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

January 2005: Newsom and Guilfoyle file for divorce

In January 2005, Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle jointly filed for divorce, citing "difficulties due to their careers on opposite coasts".

February 2006: Purchase of Residence in Russian Hill

In February 2006, Gavin Newsom purchased a residence in the Russian Hill neighborhood for $2,350,000.

February 28, 2006: Newsom's divorce is finalized

On February 28, 2006, Gavin Newsom's divorce from Kimberly Guilfoyle was finalized. By this time, Guilfoyle was expecting a child with Eric Villency.

September 2006: Newsom briefly dates Brittanie Mountz

In September 2006, Gavin Newsom, then 38, briefly dated 19-year-old Brittanie Mountz, a model and restaurant hostess.

October 2006: Newsom begins dating Jennifer Siebel

In October 2006, Gavin Newsom began dating film director Jennifer Siebel.

February 2007: Newsom seeks treatment for alcohol use disorder

In February 2007, Gavin Newsom announced he would seek treatment for alcohol use disorder.

August 10, 2007: Filing Deadline for Mayoral Election

On August 10, 2007, as the filing deadline passed, discussions shifted to Gavin Newsom's second term as mayor of San Francisco, with talk about his challengers in the upcoming election.

August 2007: Newsom Faces No Serious Threat

In August 2007, The San Francisco Chronicle declared that Gavin Newsom faced no "serious threat to his re-election bid", as he had raised $1.6 million for his campaign.

December 2007: Newsom and Siebel announce their engagement

In December 2007, Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel announced their engagement.

2007: Permanent Housing Initiative

By 2007, approximately 2,000 homeless individuals had been placed into permanent housing with support, as part of Newsom's initiative to end chronic homelessness.

2007: Income from Business Interests

In 2007, Gavin Newsom earned between $141,000 and $251,000 from his business interests, even while serving as mayor.

2007: Re-election as Mayor of San Francisco

In 2007, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as the mayor of San Francisco, securing a second term in office.

July 2008: Newsom and Siebel get married

In July 2008, Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel were married in Stevensville, Montana.

2008: Newsom describes himself as an "Irish Catholic rebel"

In 2008, Gavin Newsom described himself as an "Irish Catholic rebel" with tremendous admiration for the Church and a strong faith, acknowledging the crisis within the Catholic Church, but staying connected due to a "strong connection to a greater purpose". He also identified as a practicing Catholic with a perennial sense of faith.

2008: Evaluation of Care Not Cash Program

In 2008, a city audit evaluated Gavin Newsom's Care Not Cash program as largely successful, noting a reduction in average cash payments and the number of recipients.

April 2009: Listing of Residence for Sale

In April 2009, Gavin Newsom put his residence in the Russian Hill neighborhood on the market for $3,000,000.

2010: Election as Lieutenant Governor of California

In 2010, Gavin Newsom was elected as the lieutenant governor of California, further advancing his political career on a state level.

2011: Guilfoyle gains prominence on Fox News

In 2011, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Newsom's ex-wife, gained prominence via a Fox News chat show.

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2012: Hosting "The Gavin Newsom Show"

From 2012 to 2013, Gavin Newsom hosted "The Gavin Newsom Show", expanding his presence into media and public engagement.

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2012: Newsom moves to Kentfield

In 2012, Gavin Newsom and his family moved to a house they bought in Kentfield, Marin County.

2013: Writing "Citizenville"

In 2013, Gavin Newsom wrote the book "Citizenville", which focused on leveraging digital tools for democratic change, demonstrating his interest in innovation and technology in governance.

Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government

Check it on Amazon

2014: Re-election as Lieutenant Governor of California

In 2014, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as the lieutenant governor of California, securing a second term in the role.

2018: Election as Governor of California

In 2018, Gavin Newsom was elected as the governor of California, achieving the state's highest political office.

May 2019: Newsom purchases home in Fair Oaks

In May 2019, it was reported that Gavin Newsom's $3.7 million purchase of a 12,000-square-foot home in Fair Oaks was the most expensive private residence sold in the Sacramento region since the year began.

2019: Newsom allocates funds to combat antisemitism

In 2019, Gavin Newsom took steps to combat antisemitism by allocating $15 million for synagogue security, $6 million for the Holocaust Museum LA, and $23.5 million for Jewish summer camps affected by wildfires.

2019: CalMatters analysis of political positions

In 2019, a CalMatters analysis found Newsom's political positions to be more moderate than those of almost every Democratic state legislator in California.

2019: Newsom Reflects on Studying Abroad

In a 2019 speech, Gavin Newsom reflected on his semester studying abroad in Rome, Italy, during his junior year, calling it an "eye-opening" experience that influenced his political career by exposing him to global perspectives.

2019: Newsom lists Marin County home for sale

In early 2019, Gavin Newsom originally put the Marin County property up for sale for $5.895 million, but removed it from the market after a price reduction to $5.695 million.

August 2021: Newsom sells Marin County home

In August 2021, Gavin Newsom sold the Marin County home for $5.9 million in an off-market transaction.

2022: Declaring NIMBYism

In 2022, Gavin Newsom declared that "NIMBYism is destroying the state".

2022: Re-election as Governor of California

In 2022, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as the governor of California, securing a second term despite facing earlier challenges.

March 2023: Silicon Valley Bank Collapse

In March 2023, during the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, it was acknowledged that at least three of Gavin Newsom's wine companies, PlumpJack, Cade and Odette, were clients of the bank.