History of Gavin Newsom in Timeline
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the 40th governor of California since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, his political career includes serving as the 49th lieutenant governor of California from 2011 to 2019 and as the 42nd mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. He is a prominent figure in California politics.
October 10, 1967: Gavin Newsom Born
On October 10, 1967, Gavin Christopher Newsom was born in San Francisco, California. He is the son of Tessa Thomas (née Menzies) and William Alfred Newsom III, who was a state appeals court judge and attorney for Getty Oil.
1971: Parents' Divorce
In 1971, Gavin Newsom's parents divorced, leaving his mother to raise him and his sister largely on her own. Gavin was three years old at the time.
1985: Graduated from Redwood High School
In 1985, Gavin Newsom graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur, California.
1989: Graduated from Santa Clara University
In 1989, Gavin Newsom graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Science in political science.
May 14, 1991: Created PlumpJack Associates L.P.
On May 14, 1991, Gavin Newsom and his investors created the company PlumpJack Associates L.P.
1992: Started PlumpJack Winery
In 1992, with financial assistance from Gordon Getty, Gavin Newsom started the PlumpJack Winery.
1993: Opened PlumpJack Cafe
In 1993, PlumpJack Cafe Partners L.P. opened the PlumpJack Café on Fillmore Street.
1994: Opened PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn with a PlumpJack Cafe
In 1994, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn with a PlumpJack Café.
1995: Opened a winery in Napa Valley and the Balboa Café Bar and Grill
In 1995, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened a winery in Napa Valley and the Balboa Café Bar and Grill.
1995: Volunteered for Willie Brown's Mayoral Campaign
In 1995, Gavin Newsom volunteered for Willie Brown's successful campaign for mayor and hosted a private fundraiser at his PlumpJack Café.
1996: Opened PlumpJack Development Fund L.P.
In 1996, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened the PlumpJack Development Fund L.P.
1996: Appointed to Parking and Traffic Commission
In 1996, Gavin Newsom's political career began when San Francisco mayor Willie Brown appointed him to the city's Parking and Traffic Commission.
1997: Appointed to San Francisco Board of Supervisors
In 1997, Willie Brown appointed Gavin Newsom to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors seat vacated by Kevin Shelley.
1998: Opened the MatrixFillmore Bar
In 1998, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened the MatrixFillmore Bar.
1998: Elected to the Board
In 1998, Gavin Newsom was elected to a full four-year term to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
1998: Elected to the Board of Supervisors
In 1998, Gavin Newsom was first elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
1998: Endorsed by Rescue Muni
In his 1998 reelection bid, Gavin Newsom was one of two supervisors endorsed by Rescue Muni, a transit riders group.
November 1999: Voters Approved Ballot Measure
In November 1999, voters approved a version of a ballot measure from Rescue Muni, sponsored by Gavin Newsom.
1999: Opened PlumpJack Wines shop Noe Valley branch
In 1999, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened PlumpJack Wines shop Noe Valley branch.
1999: District System for Board Elections
In 1999, San Francisco voters chose to abandon at-large elections to the Board of Supervisors for the previous district system.
2000: Contributed to Republican Slate Mailer
In 2000, Gavin Newsom faced attacks for contributing $500 to a Republican slate mailer that endorsed issues he supported.
2000: Re-elected as Supervisor
In 2000, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as a supervisor and also paid $500 to the San Francisco Republican Party to appear on the party's endorsement slate.
2000: Opened PlumpJackSport retail clothing store
In 2000, Newsom and his investors opened PlumpJackSport retail clothing store and a second Balboa Café at Squaw Valley.
December 2001: Newsom Marries Kimberly Guilfoyle
In December 2001, Gavin Newsom married legal commentator Kimberly Guilfoyle at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church, marking the beginning of their marriage.
2001: Newsom's annual income greater than $429,000
From 1996 to 2001, Gavin Newsom's annual income was greater than $429,000.
2002: Re-elected as Supervisor
In 2002, Gavin Newsom was re-elected to represent the second district, which includes Pacific Heights, the Marina, Cow Hollow, Sea Cliff and Laurel Heights.
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.
November 4, 2003: Placed First in General Election
On November 4, 2003, Gavin Newsom placed first in the general election with 41.9% of the vote against Matt Gonzalez's 19.6%.
2003: Elected Mayor of San Francisco
In 2003, Gavin Newsom was elected as the mayor of San Francisco.
2003: Leading Contender for Mayorship
In 2003, Gavin Newsom's successful ballot measure raised his political profile and provided the volunteers, donors, and campaign staff that helped make him a leading contender for the mayorship.
January 3, 2004: Sworn in as Mayor
On January 3, 2004, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as mayor of San Francisco.
July 1, 2004: Care Not Cash Implementation
On July 1, 2004, Gavin Newsom began the implementation of Care Not Cash, an initiative he sponsored as a supervisor. As part of this initiative, 5,000 more homeless people were given permanent shelter in the city.
August 2004: Supreme Court Annulment of Same-Sex Marriages
In August 2004, the Supreme Court of California annulled the same-sex marriages that Newsom had authorized, because they conflicted with state law.
October 27, 2004: Support for Hotel Workers' Strike
On October 27, 2004, during a strike by hotel workers against a dozen San Francisco hotels, Newsom joined UNITE HERE union members on a picket line in front of the Westin St. Francis Hotel. He pledged the city would boycott the hotels until they agreed to a contract with workers.
2004: Newsom and Guilfoyle Separate
In 2004, Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle separated, leading to their decision to file for divorce in January 2005.
2004: Became Mayor of San Francisco
In 2004, Gavin Newsom assumed the role of the 42nd mayor of San Francisco.
2004: Sold San Francisco Business Shares
In 2004, Gavin Newsom sold his share of his San Francisco businesses when he became mayor. He maintained ownership in PlumpJack companies outside San Francisco.
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", signaling the end of their marriage.
2005: Newsom Has Affair with Ruby Rippey-Tourk
In 2005, Gavin Newsom had an affair with Ruby Rippey-Tourk, who was his appointments secretary at the time. This affair led to the resignation of Alex Tourk, Rippey-Tourk's husband, when it was revealed in 2007.
February 2006: Purchased Residence in Russian Hill
In February 2006, Gavin Newsom paid $2,350,000 for his residence in the Russian Hill neighborhood.
February 28, 2006: Newsom's Divorce from Guilfoyle is Finalized
On February 28, 2006, Gavin Newsom's divorce from Kimberly Guilfoyle was finalized. At the 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, marking a short-lived relationship.
October 2006: Newsom Begins Dating Jennifer Siebel
In October 2006, Gavin Newsom began dating film director Jennifer Siebel, marking the start of their relationship.
January 31, 2007: Alex Tourk Resigns After Affair Revelation
On January 31, 2007, Gavin Newsom's close friend, campaign manager, and former chief of staff Alex Tourk confronted him after learning from his wife, Ruby Rippey-Tourk, that she and Newsom had an affair in 2005, when she was Newsom's appointments secretary. Tourk immediately resigned.
February 2007: Newsom Seeks Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
In February 2007, Gavin Newsom announced that he would seek treatment for alcohol use disorder, taking a step towards addressing his personal challenges.
August 10, 2007: Filing Deadline Passed
On August 10, 2007, after the filing deadline passed, San Francisco's discussion shifted to talk about Gavin Newsom's second term.
August 2007: Newsom Raised $1.6 Million
In August 2007, the San Francisco Chronicle stated that Gavin Newsom faced no "serious threat to his re-election bid", as he had raised $1.6 million for his reelection campaign.
December 2007: Newsom and Siebel Announce Engagement
In December 2007, Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel announced their engagement, signifying their commitment to marriage.
2007: Earned from Business Interests
In 2007, Gavin Newsom earned between $141,000 and $251,000 from his business interests.
2007: Reelected Mayor of San Francisco
In 2007, Gavin Newsom was reelected as the mayor of San Francisco.
July 2008: Newsom Marries Jennifer Siebel
In July 2008, Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel were married in Stevensville, Montana, marking the culmination of their relationship. They have four children together.
2008: Newsom Describes Himself as an Irish Catholic Rebel
In 2008, Gavin Newsom described himself as an "Irish Catholic rebel" while expressing admiration for the Church and his strong faith. He acknowledged the crisis within the Catholic Church but emphasized his connection to a greater purpose and a higher being. He identifies as a practicing Catholic with a strong sense of faith.
2008: Program Evaluated as Largely Successful
In 2008, four years after the inception of the program, a city audit evaluated the "Care Not Cash" program as largely successful.
April 2009: Put Residence on the Market
In April 2009, Gavin Newsom put his residence in the Russian Hill neighborhood on the market for $3,000,000.
April 21, 2009: Announcement of Candidacy for Governor of California
On April 21, 2009, Newsom announced his candidacy for governor of California in the 2010 election.
February 2010: Filing Paperwork for Lieutenant Governor Run
In February 2010, Newsom filed initial paperwork to run for lieutenant governor.
2010: Democratic nominee margin of victory
2022 marked the first time since 2010 that the Democratic gubernatorial nominee did not win at least 60% of the vote.
2010: Elected Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2010, Gavin Newsom was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of California.
January 10, 2011: Swearing-in as Lieutenant Governor
On January 10, 2011, Newsom was sworn in as lieutenant governor, serving under Governor Jerry Brown.
2011: Became Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2011, Gavin Newsom began his service as the 49th lieutenant governor of California.
2011: Newsom Completes Service as Mayor of San Francisco
In 2011, Gavin Newsom completed his service as mayor of San Francisco, marking the end of his tenure in that role.
2011: Guilfoyle Gains Prominence via Fox News Chat Show
In 2011, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Gavin Newsom's ex-wife, gained prominence via a Fox News chat show, marking a significant point in her career.
May 2012: Hosting "The Gavin Newsom Show" and Criticism of Sacramento
In May 2012, Newsom began hosting "The Gavin Newsom Show" on Current TV. In the same month, he received criticism for describing Sacramento as "dull."
2012: Hosted "The Gavin Newsom Show"
From 2012 to 2013, Gavin Newsom hosted "The Gavin Newsom Show".
2012: Voters upheld capital punishment
In 2012, California's voters upheld capital punishment, demonstrating their continued support for it.
2012: Newsom and Family Move to Kentfield
In 2012, Gavin Newsom and his family moved to a house they bought in Kentfield, Marin County, relocating after his time as mayor of San Francisco.
February 7, 2013: Release of "Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government"
On February 7, 2013, Newsom released his first book, "Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government," which discusses the Gov 2.0 movement.
2013: Wrote the book Citizenville
In 2013, Gavin Newsom wrote the book "Citizenville", which is about using digital tools for democratic change.
November 4, 2014: Re-election as Lieutenant Governor
On November 4, 2014, Newsom was reelected as lieutenant governor, defeating Republican Ron Nehring with 57.2% of the vote.
2014: Reelected Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2014, Gavin Newsom was reelected as the Lieutenant Governor of California.
January 5, 2015: Start of Second Term as Lieutenant Governor
On January 5, 2015, Gavin Newsom's second term as lieutenant governor began.
February 11, 2015: Opening Campaign Account for 2018 Gubernatorial Election
On February 11, 2015, Newsom announced he was opening a campaign account for the 2018 gubernatorial elections.
July 2015: Release of Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy's Final Report
In July 2015, Newsom released the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy's final report, which was convened with the American Civil Liberties Union of California in 2013. The report's recommendations were intended to inform a legalization measure on the November 2016 ballot.
November 2015: Op-Ed Calling for California College Promise
In November 2015, Newsom, along with Eloy Oakley, called for the creation of the California College Promise in an op-ed.
December 2015: Calling for Reclassification of Computer Science Courses
In December 2015, Newsom called on the University of California to reclassify computer science courses as a core academic class to incentivize more high schools to offer computer science curricula.
June 2016: Securing Funding for Promise Programs
In June 2016, Newsom helped secure $15 million in the state budget to support the creation of promise programs throughout the state.
2016: Voters agreed to move condemned
In 2016, California's voters agreed to move the condemned to other prisons, further solidifying their stance on capital punishment.
2016: Newsom was proponent of Proposition 63
In 2016, as lieutenant governor, Newsom was the official proponent of Proposition 63, which required a background check and California Department of Justice authorization to purchase ammunition, among other gun control regulations.
February 24, 2017: Letter Urging Against Increased Enforcement of Cannabis Firms
On February 24, 2017, Newsom sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and President Donald Trump, urging them not to increase federal enforcement against recreational cannabis firms in California.
June 5, 2018: Finishing in Top Two in Nonpartisan Primary
On June 5, 2018, Newsom finished in the top two in the nonpartisan blanket primary for the 2018 California gubernatorial election.
2018: Pledge to tighten oversight of fracking
During his 2018 campaign, Gavin Newsom pledged to tighten state oversight of fracking and oil extraction.
2018: Previous gubernatorial election
In 2018, Gavin Newsom had a larger margin of victory in his gubernatorial election than he did in 2022.
2018: Elected Governor of California
In 2018, Gavin Newsom was elected as the governor of California.
2018: Rippey-Tourk Comments on Newsom Affair and #MeToo Movement
In 2018, Ruby Rippey-Tourk commented on her affair with Gavin Newsom, stating that she didn't believe it should be associated with the #MeToo movement, as she was a consenting adult at the time.
2018: Expedited review for pardon requests
In 2018, a California law mandated expedited review by the state Board of Parole Hearings for pardon requests from people facing deportation.
2018: Paradise fire
In 2018, the fire that destroyed the town of Paradise led to at least eight evacuees burned to death in their vehicles, an event Newsom aimed to prevent with fuel breaks.
January 7, 2019: Swearing-In as Governor
On January 7, 2019, Newsom was sworn in as the governor of California.
January 2019: Newsom threatens to withhold state funding for infrastructure
In January 2019, during his first week in office, Newsom threatened to withhold state funding for infrastructure to communities that failed to take actions to alleviate California's housing shortage. He also announced that he would sue Huntington Beach for preventing the construction of affordable housing.
February 2019: Newsom postpones parts of the high-speed rail project
In his February 2019 State of the State address, Newsom announced that, while work would continue on the 171-mile Central Valley segment from Bakersfield to Merced, the rest of the system would be indefinitely postponed due to cost overruns and delays.
March 13, 2019: Moratorium on California's death penalty
On March 13, 2019, Gavin Newsom declared a moratorium on the state's death penalty, preventing any execution while he remained governor and leading to the closure of the execution chamber at San Quentin State Prison.
May 2019: Clemency for formerly incarcerated people
In May 2019, Gavin Newsom pardoned seven formerly incarcerated people, including two Cambodian refugees facing deportation, in his first acts of clemency as governor.
May 2019: Newsom Purchases Expensive Home in Fair Oaks
In May 2019, The Sacramento Bee 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 beginning of the year.
June 2019: Newsom Apologizes for Genocide of Native Americans
In June 2019, Gavin Newsom apologized on behalf of the California state government for the genocide of Native Americans approved and abetted upon statehood in the 19th century. He acknowledged the killing of at least 4,500 Native Californians between 1849 and 1870, describing it as genocide that needs to be recognized in history books.
June 2019: Medi-Cal eligibility expanded to undocumented young adults
In June 2019, Newsom passed a budget that expanded eligibility for Medi-Cal from solely undocumented minor children to undocumented young adults from ages 19 to 25.
September 2019: Veto of SB 1
In September 2019, Gavin Newsom vetoed SB 1, which would have preserved environmental protections at the state level that were set to roll back nationally under the Trump administration's environmental policy.
November 2019: Moratorium on hydraulic fracturing
In November 2019, Gavin Newsom imposed a moratorium on approval of new hydraulic fracturing and steam-injected oil drilling in the state until the permits for those projects could be reviewed by an independent panel of scientists.
November 2019: Pardons to avoid deportation
In November 2019, Gavin Newsom pardoned three men who were attempting to avoid being deported to Cambodia or Vietnam.
December 2019: Parole for Cambodian refugee
In December 2019, Gavin Newsom granted parole to a Cambodian refugee who had been held in a California prison due to a murder case, though he was turned over to federal agents for possible deportation upon release.
2019: Studied Abroad in Rome
During his junior year, Gavin Newsom spent a semester studying abroad in Rome, Italy. In a 2019 speech, he called it "eye-opening", as it exposed him to global perspectives that influenced his political career.
2019: Newsom's Veto Rate
From 2019 to 2021, Newsom vetoed 12.7% of the bills the legislature passed on average. Newsom's vetoes have included bills to allow ranked-choice voting, require an ethnic studies class as a high school graduation requirement, and reduce penalties for jaywalking.
2019: Attendance to UN Climate Action Summit
In 2019, Gavin Newsom attended the UN Climate Action Summit, where he spoke of California as a climate leader.
2019: Became Governor of California
In 2019, Gavin Newsom became the 40th governor of California.
2019: Newsom's political positions
In 2019, a CalMatters analysis found Gavin Newsom's political positions to be more moderate than those of almost every Democratic state legislator in California.
2019: Newsom calls for nationwide background checks on ammunition purchases
In 2019, in response to the mass shooting in Virginia Beach, Newsom called for nationwide background checks on people purchasing ammunition. Later that year, he responded to the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting by expressing his support for the Second Amendment and advocating for national cooperation in controlling "weapons of goddamned mass destruction".
2019: Newsom Lists Marin County Home for Sale
In early 2019, Gavin Newsom originally put his Marin County property up for sale for $5.895 million, but later removed it from the market after a price reduction to $5.695 million, before eventually selling it in August 2021.
January 2020: False Claims on wildfire prevention projects
In January 2020, Gavin Newsom and Cal Fire falsely claimed that 90,000 acres (36,000 ha) of land at risk for wildfires had been treated with fuel breaks and prescribed burns; the actual treated area was 11,399 acres (4,613 ha).
February 2020: Lawsuit over environmental rollbacks
In February 2020, Gavin Newsom's administration sued federal agencies over the rollbacks to protect imperiled fish in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta in 2019.
February 21, 2020: Introduction of Recall Petition
On February 21, 2020, a recall petition was introduced against Newsom by Orrin Heatlie, citing grievances such as the sanctuary state policy and high homelessness.
March 4, 2020: State of emergency declared for COVID-19
On March 4, 2020, Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency after the first COVID-19 death in California, aiming to prepare for and contain the virus's spread, allowing agencies to procure resources and prioritize policies for the homeless population.
March 22, 2020: State of emergency declared for wildfires
On March 22, 2020, Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in preparation for the 2020 wildfire season due to a mass die-off of trees throughout California.
April 2020: Resumption of hydraulic fracturing permits
In April 2020, state agencies resumed issuing new hydraulic fracturing permits.
June 10, 2020: Approval of Recall Petition for Circulation
On June 10, 2020, the California secretary of state approved for circulation the recall petition against Newsom.
August 2020: Signature Verification for Recall Petition
By August 2020, 55,000 signatures were submitted and verified by the secretary of state for the recall petition against Newsom.
August 2020: Address to Democratic National Convention
In August 2020, Gavin Newsom addressed the 2020 Democratic National Convention, mentioning climate change and the wildfires prevalent in California at the time.
September 2020: High approval rating
In September 2020, Gavin Newsom had a 64% approval rating.
September 2020: Bill on transgender inmates signed into law
In September 2020, Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill allowing California transgender inmates to be placed in prisons that correspond with their gender identity, which led to a lawsuit claiming the bill created an unsafe environment for women.
September 23, 2020: Executive order to phase out gasoline vehicles
On September 23, 2020, Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to phase out sales of gasoline-powered vehicles and require all new passenger vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035.
October 2020: Additional Signature Verification for Recall Petition
In October 2020, 890 new valid signatures were submitted for the recall petition against Gavin Newsom.
November 2020: The French Laundry Incident and Increased Recall Support
In November 2020, Gavin Newsom's attendance at a party at The French Laundry, despite public health measures, contributed to growing support for the recall effort.
November 17, 2020: Initial Deadline for Recall Petition Signatures
The initial signature deadline for the recall petition against Newsom was November 17, 2020, before it was extended due to the pandemic.
2020: Homelessness as most important issue
A poll found that California voters thought the most important issue for Newsom and the state legislature to work on in 2020 was homelessness.
2020: Newsom uses larger than normal number of executive orders
In 2020, Newsom used a larger than normal number of executive orders during the legislative session.
2020: Appointments after Harris election
In 2020, after Kamala Harris was elected vice president, Gavin Newsom appointed Alex Padilla as California's junior U.S. senator, Shirley Weber as Secretary of State, and Rob Bonta as Attorney General.
2020: Stringent Pandemic Restrictions
In 2020, the Newsom administration enacted some of the country's most stringent pandemic restrictions.
January 2021: Low vaccination rates and rising vaccination rate
In January 2021, California had one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country. However, the vaccination rate began increasing in January, and by September 2021 over half the population was fully vaccinated.
January 2021: Unemployment benefits mismanagement
In January 2021, the Los Angeles Times reported that Gavin Newsom's administration had mismanaged $11.4 billion by disbursing unemployment benefits to ineligible claimants, with another $19 billion in claims under investigation for fraud.
February 2021: Approval rating decline
In February 2021, Gavin Newsom's approval rate declined to 46%, with 48% disapproval, attributed to public opinion of his management of the pandemic.
February 2021: Julie Su appointed deputy secretary of labor
In February 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Julie Su, a Newsom appointee who oversaw the state's unemployment system, as deputy secretary of labor.
March 17, 2021: Extended Deadline for Recall Petition Signatures
The deadline for submitting signatures for the recall petition against Newsom was extended to March 17, 2021.
April 2021: Commitment to end gas lease sales
In April 2021, Gavin Newsom committed to ending the sale of gas leases by 2024 and ending oil extraction by 2045.
May 2021: California's death rate
By May 2021, California had the 29th-highest death rate of all 50 states, despite stringent pandemic restrictions.
June 10, 2021: Newsom criticizes Judge Benitez after striking down assault weapon ban
On June 10, 2021, Newsom called federal Judge Roger Benitez "a stone cold ideologue" and "a wholly owned subsidiary of the gun lobby of the National Rifle Association" after Benitez struck down California's statewide ban on assault weapons. Newsom proposed legislation that would empower private citizens to enforce the ban.
June 23, 2021: Report on wildfire prevention projects
On June 23, 2021, CapRadio reported that Gavin Newsom and Cal Fire had falsely claimed in January 2020 that 90,000 acres of land at risk for wildfires had been treated; the actual treated area was 11,399 acres.
August 2021: Newsom Sells Marin County Home
In August 2021, Gavin Newsom sold a Marin County home for $5.9 million in an off-market transaction, completing the sale of a property he had originally listed in 2019.
September 14, 2021: Recall Election Outcome
On September 14, 2021, the recall election was held, and only 38% voted to recall Newsom, allowing him to remain in office.
September 2021: Vaccination rate increase
By September 2021, over half the population was fully vaccinated, with California ranking #16 out of the 50 states.
September 2021: Police reform legislation signed
In September 2021, Gavin Newsom signed legislation raising the minimum age to become a police officer to 21, restricting the use of tear gas, banning the employment of officers after misconduct, and requiring officers to intervene when witnessing excessive force.
October 2021: Proposal for fossil fuel buffer
In October 2021, Gavin Newsom proposed a 3,200-foot (980 m) buffer between new fossil fuel extraction sites and densely populated areas.
December 2021: Newsom announces intention to make California a "sanctuary" for abortion
In December 2021, Newsom announced his intention to make California a "sanctuary" for abortion, which included possibly paying for procedures, travel, and lodging for out-of-state abortion seekers, if the procedure is banned in Republican-led states.
2021: California's unemployment debt
By the summer of 2021, California owed $23 billion to the federal government for unemployment benefits paid out during the pandemic, which was 43% of all unemployment debt owed by 13 states.
2021: Newsom's Veto Rate
From 2019 to 2021, Newsom vetoed 12.7% of the bills the legislature passed on average. Newsom's vetoes have included bills to allow ranked-choice voting, require an ethnic studies class as a high school graduation requirement, and reduce penalties for jaywalking.
2021: Ballmer's wife, Connie Ballmer donated $1 million to Newsom campaign
In 2021, Connie Ballmer, wife of former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, donated $1 million to the Newsom campaign. In September 2024, Newsom signed AB 3206 into law, which creates an exception to the state's alcohol law for Intuit Dome, owned by Steve Ballmer. This led to criticism of the bill for benefiting a major donor.
2021: Faced Recall Effort
In 2021, Gavin Newsom faced an unsuccessful recall effort due to controversies and frustration with his leadership during his governorship.
2021: Newsom sees no conflict in wife's nonprofit accepting donations from lobbying companies
In 2021, Governor Newsom stated that he did not perceive any conflict of interest in his wife's nonprofit, The Representation Project, accepting donations from corporations that lobby his administration.
2021: Newsom signs bills into law that made zoning regulations for housing less restrictive
In 2021, Newsom signed a pair of bills into law that made zoning regulations for housing less restrictive, allowing construction of duplexes and fourplexes in lots that were previously zoned exclusively for single-family homes. Newsom also signed a bill which expedites the environmental review process for new multifamily developments worth at least $15,000,000.
2021: Medi-Cal eligibility expanded to undocumented residents over age 50
In 2021, Newsom signed legislation expanding Medi-Cal eligibility to undocumented residents over age 50.
2021: Decline of support for the death penalty
In 2021, a poll suggested declining support for the death penalty among California voters, although Gavin Newsom's moves to halt capital punishment were criticized as defiance of the will of voters.
2021: Newsom Cites Recall as Reason for Not Running for President in 2024
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom cited his "vulnerable" 2021 recall as a reason why he would not run for president in 2024, indicating that the recall experience had influenced his decision.
January 13, 2022: Newsom denied parole to Sirhan Sirhan
On January 13, 2022, Gavin Newsom denied parole to Sirhan Sirhan, Robert F. Kennedy's assassin, after he had been recommended for parole.
January 2022: Dismantling of death row
In January 2022, Gavin Newsom directed the state to begin dismantling its death row in San Quentin and transform it into a "space for rehabilitation programs".
March 2022: Newsom signs bill requiring private health insurance to cover abortion procedures
In March 2022, Newsom signed a bill requiring private health insurance plans in the state to fully cover abortion procedures by eliminating associated co-pays and deductibles and increasing insurance premiums.
April 2022: Failed fire prevention program
In April 2022, CapRadio found a program, hailed in 2020 by the Newsom administration to fast-track environmental reviews on high-priority fire prevention projects, had failed to make progress.
June 30, 2022: Newsom signs $307.9 billion state budget expanding Medi-Cal
On June 30, 2022, Newsom signed a $307.9 billion state budget that "pledges to make all low-income adults eligible for the state's Medicaid program by 2024 regardless of their immigration status." This budget would make California the first U.S. state to guarantee healthcare to all low-income illegal immigrants, at a cost of $2.7 billion per year.
July 6, 2022: Newsom establishes Office of Health Care Affordability
On July 6, 2022, Newsom signed Senate Bill 184, which established the Office of Health Care Affordability, with the stated goal to "develop data-informed policies and enforceable cost targets, with the ultimate goal of containing health care costs."
September 2022: Newsom Makes California a Sanctuary State for Transgender Youth
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom made California the first sanctuary state for transgender youth and issued a fine of $1.5 million to a school district for rejecting a curriculum including a biography of Harvey Milk. He also vetoed bills related to judges considering a parent's affirmation of a child's gender identity in custody battles and mandated insurance coverage for gender-affirming care.
September 2022: Newsom proposes windfall profits tax on oil companies
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom proposed a windfall profits tax and penalty for oil companies, attributing high gas prices in California (exceeding $6 per gallon) to corporate greed and price gouging.
September 2022: Newsom Says He Will Not Run for President in 2024
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom stated that he would not run for president in 2024, citing his "vulnerable" 2021 recall, seemingly putting an end to immediate speculation about his presidential ambitions.
2022: Newsom re-elected as governor
In 2022, Gavin Newsom was elected to a second term as governor, defeating Republican state senator Brian Dahle with 59.2% of the vote.
2022: Newsom signs 39 bills to address housing crisis
In 2022, Newsom signed 39 bills into law intended to address California's housing crisis, including reforms to land use and parking requirements.
2022: Newsom declares NIMBYism is destroying the state
Newsom opposes NIMBY (not-in-my-back-yard) sentiment, declaring in 2022 that "NIMBYism is destroying the state".
January 2023: Homelessness hits record number in California
In January 2023, the number of homeless people in California hit a record number of over 181,000. According to some, to cope with this problem, California must build more than 2.5 million housing units.
February 2023: Newsom organizes Reproductive Freedom Alliance
In February 2023, Newsom organized the Reproductive Freedom Alliance of state governors supportive of abortion and reproductive rights.
March 2023: Newsom cuts ties with Walgreens over abortion pill policy
In March 2023, after Walgreens announced it would refuse to dispense abortion pills where illegal, Newsom declared that California would cease doing business with Walgreens. He cited Walgreens giving in to "right-wing bullies" and indicated he wanted to cancel their $54 million contract with the state prison system. Walgreens also receives $1.5 billion for filling prescriptions for California's Medi-Cal program.
March 28, 2023: Newsom signs law authorizing California Energy Commission to penalize oil companies
On March 28, 2023, Gavin Newsom signed a law granting the California Energy Commission the authority to establish a profit threshold, above which oil companies would face financial penalties. The law also mandates that petroleum companies disclose additional profit data to state regulators and establishes a new oversight division within the California Energy Commission to investigate price gouging within the gasoline industry.
April 2023: The Hill Publishes Article Discussing Inevitability of Newsom Presidential Run
In April 2023, an article published in The Hill by journalist Sharon Udasin discussed the inevitability of a Gavin Newsom presidential run, highlighting the ongoing speculation and anticipation surrounding Newsom's potential candidacy.
April 25, 2023: Newsom Endorses Biden's Reelection Campaign
On April 25, 2023, Gavin Newsom endorsed President Biden's reelection campaign, publicly supporting Biden's candidacy and signaling his commitment to the Democratic party's established leadership.
May 2023: Schwarzenegger Says Newsom Would Someday Run for President
In May 2023, Schwarzenegger stated that it was a "no-brainer" that Gavin Newsom would someday run for president, fueling speculation about Newsom's future political ambitions.
June 8, 2023: Newsom Proposes 28th Amendment to U.S. Constitution for Gun Control
On June 8, 2023, Newsom proposed a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to raise the age to buy firearms to 21, institute universal background checks for gun purchases, mandate waiting periods, and ban assault weapons for civilians. The proposal was met with criticism due to the advocated method potentially allowing a complete rewrite of the Constitution.
June 2023: Poll Shows California Voters Want Newsom to Enter 2024 Presidential Election
According to a June 2023 poll by NewsNation, 22% of California voters wanted Gavin Newsom to enter the 2024 presidential election.
June 2023: Newsom Proclaims LGBTQ+ Pride Month in California
In June 2023, Gavin Newsom proclaimed June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in California, demonstrating his support for the LGBTQ+ community.
September 2023: Appointment of Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate
In September 2023, after the death of Dianne Feinstein, Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate, fulfilling his promise to appoint a Black woman to the seat.
October 2023: Newsom Visits China
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom embarked on a week-long visit to China. He began in Hong Kong, attending a discussion about climate change at the University of Hong Kong. He then traveled to Beijing, where he met with Chinese president Xi Jinping to discuss climate change, trade relations, and the response to fentanyl production. The visit also included stops in Guangdong, Jiangsu and Shanghai. He called for better relations between the U.S. and China during the trip.
October 2023: Newsom Vetoes Bill to Ban Caste Discrimination
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to ban discrimination based on caste, calling it "unnecessary". Hindu rights organizations supported the veto, while advocates for oppressed castes criticized it.
October 2023: Newsom Vetoes Bill to Provide Unemployment Insurance to Striking Workers
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to provide unemployment insurance to striking workers, citing the excess burden on the state's unemployment system. He also vetoed a bill to expand the mandatory warning period for layoffs and prohibit employers from making laid-off employees sign nondisclosure agreements in order to receive severance.
October 2023: Newsom vetoes bill to cap co-pays for diabetic insulin at $35
In October 2023, Newsom vetoed a bill to cap co-pays for diabetic insulin at $35.
October 2023: Newsom Vetoes Bills Aimed at Expanding Access to Housing Assistance
In October 2023, Newsom vetoed several bills aimed at expanding access to housing assistance. One was a bill to repurpose unused state-owned land for affordable housing. Another would have expanded the number of people who qualify for state housing assistance. A third would have mandated that Medi-Cal cover the cost of housing assistance.
October 20, 2023: Newsom Visits Israel to Express Solidarity
On October 20, 2023, Gavin Newsom visited Israel to express solidarity during the Gaza war. He met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, other top Israeli officials, and survivors of the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
November 2023: Newsom and DeSantis Debate on Fox News
In November 2023, Gavin Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis debated on Fox News, with Sean Hannity as moderator. This event marked a significant public confrontation between the two governors with differing political ideologies.
2023: Newsom Launches Campaign for Democracy PAC
In 2023, Gavin Newsom launched Campaign for Democracy, a PAC to take on "authoritarian leaders" in the U.S. This PAC is thought to be a starting point for a possible 2028 presidential bid.
2023: Dyslexia as a Strength
In a 2023 interview, Gavin Newsom discussed how his dyslexia forced him to find workarounds and think differently, skills he uses every day as governor.
February 2024: Newsom pushed for exemption for businesses that bake and sell bread in AB 1228
In February 2024, it was reported that Newsom advocated for an exemption in AB 1228 (a bill raising the minimum wage for fast food workers) for businesses that bake and sell bread. The exemption benefited 24 Panera Bread bakery-cafes owned by Greg Flynn, who had donated to Newsom's campaigns. This led to calls for an investigation.
July 2024: Campaign for Democracy Raises $24 Million
As of July 2024, Gavin Newsom's Campaign for Democracy has raised $24 million for direct contributions to candidates and other spending. The group is not subject to contribution limits, but it can coordinate with Newsom as long as he is not a candidate for federal office.
July 2024: Newsom Launches Politickin' Podcast and Endorses Kamala Harris
In July 2024, Gavin Newsom launched a podcast called Politickin', co-hosted by Marshawn Lynch and Doug Hendrickson. After Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race that month, Newsom endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, signaling his support for her candidacy.
August 2024: Newsom Warns Counties on Homeless Encampments
In August 2024, Gavin Newsom warned counties that if they did not remove homeless encampments, their state funding would be cut off the next year. This warning followed his personal visit and clearing of a Los Angeles homeless encampment without prior notification to the city.
September 2024: Newsom signs bill providing alcohol law exception for Intuit Dome
In September 2024, Newsom signed AB 3206 into law, which creates an exception to the state's alcohol law for Intuit Dome, owned by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Ballmer's wife, Connie Ballmer, had donated to Newsom's campaign in 2021, leading to criticism of the bill for benefiting a major donor.
October 2024: Newsom Signs California Racial Mascots Act
In October 2024, Gavin Newsom signed AB 3074, the "California Racial Mascots Act", which bans derogatory Native American mascots and team names at K-12 schools. Schools run by recognized Native American tribes are exempt.
December 2024: Newsom Criticizes Biden for Pardoning Hunter Biden
In December 2024, Gavin Newsom criticized President Biden for pardoning his son Hunter Biden, stating, "I’m disappointed and can’t support the decision."
2024: Low-income adults eligible for Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status
According to the $307.9 billion state budget signed in June 30, 2022, By 2024, all low-income adults are eligible for the state's Medicaid program regardless of their immigration status. This budget would make California the first U.S. state to guarantee healthcare to all low-income illegal immigrants, at a cost of $2.7 billion per year.
2024: Newsom Calls for California Lawmakers to Safeguard Policies After Trump Election
After Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Gavin Newsom called for California lawmakers to convene later in 2024 to safeguard California's policies from the incoming Trump administration, indicating a proactive stance to protect state interests.
2024: Planned end of gas lease sales
By 2024, Gavin Newsom committed to ending the sale of gas leases.
2024: End of Dianne Feinstein's term
In 2024, Dianne Feinstein's term in the Senate was scheduled to end. Newsom had stated he would appoint a Black woman to replace her, should she retire or pass away before the term ended.
2024: Newsom Signs Bill Prohibiting Parental Notification of Student Gender Identity
In 2024, Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law prohibiting schools from notifying parents about a minor student's gender identity without the student's consent. This law was criticized by conservative groups and parents who argued it undermined local school authority and parental rights, while proponents argued it protected students' privacy and safety.
2024: Newsom Informs White House Staff He Will Not Challenge Biden
In 2024, after his 2022 reelection, Gavin Newsom informed White House staff that he would not challenge President Biden in the Democratic primaries, reaffirming his commitment to supporting Biden's reelection bid.
2028: Campaign for Democracy PAC Considered a Starting Point for Newsom Presidential Bid
In 2023, Gavin Newsom launched Campaign for Democracy, a PAC to take on "authoritarian leaders" in the U.S. This is considered a starting point for a possible 2028 presidential bid.
2028: Newsom Adjusts Political Approach for Potential 2028 Presidential Campaign
In anticipation of a potential 2028 presidential campaign, Gavin Newsom has adjusted his political approach to appeal to a broader electorate. A key shift in his strategy has been his engagement with conservative voices, including hosting figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon on his podcast, This is Gavin Newsom.
2035: All new passenger vehicles sold must be zero-emission
By 2035, all new passenger vehicles sold in the state must be zero-emission according to the executive order signed by Newsom.
2045: Planned end of oil extraction
By 2045, Gavin Newsom committed to ending oil extraction.
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