History of Gavin Newsom in Timeline
Gavin Newsom is an American politician 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. Before his statewide roles, Newsom was the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. His career reflects a trajectory of political leadership within California, progressing from municipal to state-level governance.
October 10, 1967: Gavin Newsom Born
On October 10, 1967, Gavin Christopher Newsom was born in San Francisco, California. He is currently an American politician and businessman serving as the 40th governor of California since 2019.
1971: Parents' Divorce
In 1971, when Gavin Newsom was three years old, his parents divorced.
1985: Graduation from Redwood High School
In 1985, Gavin Newsom graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur, California, where he excelled athletically.
1985: Elbow Surgery
In late 1985, Gavin Newsom underwent elbow surgery, later revealed to be a procedure to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which ended his varsity baseball aspirations at Santa Clara University.
1989: Graduated from Santa Clara University
In 1989, Gavin Newsom graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Science in political science, after enrolling there on a partial baseball scholarship.
May 14, 1991: Founded 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, Gavin Newsom started the PlumpJack Winery with financial help from Gordon Getty.
1993: Opened PlumpJack Café
In 1993, The PlumpJack Cafe Partners L.P. opened the PlumpJack Café on Fillmore Street.
1994: Opened PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn
In 1994, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn with a PlumpJack Café.
1995: Opened winery and 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 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: 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.
1997: Appointed to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
In 1997, Gavin Newsom was appointed by Willie Brown to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors seat vacated by Kevin Shelley.
1998: Opened MatrixFillmore Bar
In 1998, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened the MatrixFillmore Bar.
1998: Elected to a full term 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 Board of Supervisors in San Francisco.
1998: Endorsed by Rescue Muni
In his 1998 reelection campaign, Gavin Newsom was one of two supervisors endorsed by Rescue Muni, a transit riders group.
November 1999: Voters approved a version of the measure
In November 1999, San Francisco voters approved a version of the ballot measure sponsored by Gavin Newsom from Rescue Muni.
1999: Opened PlumpJack Wines Shop Noe Valley branch
In 1999, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened the PlumpJack Wines shop Noe Valley branch.
1999: San Francisco voters abandoned at-large elections
In 1999, San Francisco voters chose to abandon at-large elections to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for the previous district system.
2000: Opened PlumpJackSport Retail Clothing and a Second Balboa Café
In 2000, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened PlumpJackSport retail clothing and a second Balboa Café at Squaw Valley.
2000: Contributed to a Republican slate mailer
In 2000, Gavin Newsom faced attacks for contributing $500 to a Republican slate mailer that endorsed issues he supported, during the November 4, 2003 election.
2000: Re-elected to represent the second district
In 2000, Gavin Newsom was reelected to represent the second district on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Newsom paid $500 to the San Francisco Republican Party to appear on the party's endorsement slate in 2000 while running for Supervisor and was re-elected.
December 2001: Newsom Marries Kimberly Guilfoyle
In December 2001, Gavin Newsom married legal commentator Kimberly Guilfoyle at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church.
2001: Annual income greater than $429,000
From 1996 to 2001, Gavin Newsom's annual income was greater than $429,000 from his business ventures.
2002: Re-elected to represent the second district
In 2002, Gavin Newsom was reelected to represent the second district on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
2002: 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 but faced a runoff against Matt Gonzalez.
2003: Care Not Cash initiative
In 2003, Gavin Newsom championed Care Not Cash (Measure N), offering care and housing for the homeless in lieu of cash aid. The successful passage of the initiative raised his political profile and helped him in the mayorship race.
2003: Elected Mayor of San Francisco
In 2003, Gavin Newsom was elected mayor of San Francisco.
January 8, 2004: Sworn in as Mayor of San Francisco
On January 8, 2004, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as mayor of San Francisco, promising to address public schools, potholes, and affordable housing.
July 1, 2004: Implementation of Care Not Cash
On July 1, 2004, Gavin Newsom's Care Not Cash initiative, which he sponsored as a supervisor, was implemented. As part of this initiative, 5,000 homeless individuals were provided with permanent shelter in the city.
August 2004: Supreme Court of California Annulled Same-Sex Marriages
In August 2004, the Supreme Court of California annulled the same-sex marriages authorized by Gavin Newsom, as they conflicted with state law. Despite this, Newsom's actions brought national attention to same-sex marriage.
October 27, 2004: Joined Hotel Workers Strike
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. Newsom vowed that 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.
2004: Sold San Francisco business share
In 2004, Gavin Newsom sold his share of his San Francisco businesses when he became mayor.
January 2005: Newsom and Guilfoyle File for Divorce
In January 2005, Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle jointly filed for divorce, citing career difficulties.
2005: Newsom Had Affair with Ruby Rippey-Tourk
In 2005, Gavin Newsom had an affair with Ruby Rippey-Tourk, his appointments secretary.
February 2006: Purchased Russian Hill residence
In February 2006, Gavin Newsom paid $2,350,000 for his residence in the Russian Hill neighborhood.
February 28, 2006: Newsom and Guilfoyle's Divorce Finalized
On February 28, 2006, Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle's divorce was finalized.
September 2006: Newsom Briefly Dates Brittanie Mountz
In September 2006, Gavin Newsom 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.
January 31, 2007: Alex Tourk Resigns After Affair Revelation
On January 31, 2007, Alex Tourk resigned as Gavin Newsom's campaign manager and chief of staff after learning about Newsom's affair with his wife, Ruby Rippey-Tourk, in 2005.
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 passed
On August 10, 2007, when the filing deadline passed, San Francisco's discussion shifted to talk about Newsom's second term as mayor.
August 2007: Newsom faced no serious threat to his re-election bid
The San Francisco Chronicle declared in August 2007 that Gavin Newsom faced no serious threat to his re-election bid for mayor.
December 2007: Newsom and Siebel Announce Engagement
In December 2007, Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel announced their engagement.
2007: Earned income from business interests
In 2007, Gavin Newsom earned between $141,000 and $251,000 from his business interests.
2007: Re-elected Mayor of San Francisco
In 2007, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as mayor of San Francisco.
July 2008: Newsom Marries Jennifer Siebel
In July 2008, Gavin Newsom married Jennifer Siebel in Stevensville, Montana.
2008: Newsom Discusses His Catholic Faith
In 2008, Gavin Newsom described himself as an "Irish Catholic rebel" with strong faith and admiration for the Church, while acknowledging its crisis. He identifies as a practicing Catholic with a strong connection to a greater purpose.
2008: City audit released on Care Not Cash
In 2008, a city audit evaluated the Care Not Cash program as largely successful, lowering average cash payments and the number of people receiving cash payments.
April 2009: Listed Russian Hill residence for sale
In April 2009, Gavin Newsom put his residence in the Russian Hill neighborhood on the market for $3,000,000.
April 21, 2009: Announced Candidacy for Governor
On April 21, 2009, Gavin Newsom announced his candidacy for governor of California in the 2010 election.
February 2010: Filed Paperwork to Run for Lieutenant Governor
In February 2010, Gavin Newsom filed the initial paperwork to run for lieutenant governor.
2010: Elected Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2010, Gavin Newsom was elected lieutenant governor of California.
2010: Democratic gubernatorial nominee won at least 60% of the vote
In 2010, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee won at least 60% of the vote. In 2022 this was not the case.
January 10, 2011: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor
On January 10, 2011, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as lieutenant governor, serving under Governor Jerry Brown.
2011: Newsom Completes Service as Mayor of San Francisco
In 2011, Gavin Newsom completed his service as mayor of San Francisco.
2011: Jennifer Siebel Newsom launches The Representation Project
In 2011, Jennifer Siebel Newsom launched her nonprofit organization, The Representation Project, and received $2.3 million in salary from it since its inception.
2011: Guilfoyle Gained Prominence on Fox News
In 2011, Kimberly Guilfoyle gained prominence as a Fox News chat show personality.
May 2012: Began Hosting "The Gavin Newsom Show" and Criticized Sacramento
In May 2012, Gavin Newsom began hosting "The Gavin Newsom Show" on Current TV. The same month, he faced criticism for calling Sacramento "dull" and stating he was only there once a week.
2012: Hosted 'The Gavin Newsom Show'
From 2012 to 2013, Gavin Newsom hosted "The Gavin Newsom Show" during his time as lieutenant governor.
2012: California voters upheld capital punishment
In 2012, California voters upheld capital punishment.
2012: Newsom Family Moves to Kentfield
In 2012, Gavin Newsom and his family moved to a house they bought in Kentfield, Marin County.
February 7, 2013: Release of "Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government"
On February 7, 2013, Gavin Newsom released his first book, "Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government." The book discusses the Gov 2.0 movement across the nation.
2013: Authored 'Citizenville'
In 2013, Gavin Newsom wrote the book "Citizenville," which focuses on using digital tools for democratic change.
November 4, 2014: Re-elected as Lieutenant Governor
On November 4, 2014, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as lieutenant governor, defeating Republican Ron Nehring with 57.2% of the vote.
2014: Re-elected Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2014, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as lieutenant governor of California.
January 5, 2015: Began Second Term as Lieutenant Governor
Gavin Newsom's second term as Lieutenant Governor of California began on January 5, 2015.
February 11, 2015: Opened Campaign Account for Governor in 2018
On February 11, 2015, Gavin Newsom announced that he was opening a campaign account for governor in the 2018 elections, to raise funds to succeed Brown as governor of California.
July 2015: Released Marijuana Policy Report
In July 2015, Gavin Newsom released the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy's final report, which was intended to inform a legalization measure on the November 2016 ballot.
November 2015: Called for Creation of the California College Promise
In November 2015, Gavin Newsom joined Eloy Oakley in calling for the creation of the California College Promise, which would create partnerships between public schools, public universities, and employers and offer a free community college education.
December 2015: Called on UC to Reclassify Computer Science
In December 2015, Gavin 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: Secured $15 Million for Promise Programs
In June 2016, Gavin Newsom helped secure $15 million in the state budget to support the creation of promise programs throughout the state.
September 2016: Legislation Signed for Expanding Computer Science Education
In September 2016, legislation sponsored by Gavin Newsom, that began the planning process for expanding computer science education to all state students, beginning as early as kindergarten, was signed by Governor Brown.
2016: California voters agreed to move condemned inmates to other prisons
In 2016, California voters agreed to move condemned inmates to other prisons.
2016: Proposition 63 proponent
In 2016, as lieutenant governor, Gavin Newsom was the official proponent of Proposition 63, a ballot measure requiring background checks and California Department of Justice authorization to purchase ammunition.
February 24, 2017: Sent Letter Urging Against Increased Federal Enforcement Against Cannabis Firms
On February 24, 2017, Gavin Newsom sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and President Donald Trump, urging them not to increase federal enforcement against recreational cannabis firms opening in California.
June 5, 2018: Finished in Top Two in Primary
On June 5, 2018, Gavin Newsom finished in the top two in the nonpartisan blanket primary for governor.
2018: Campaign pledge to tighten oversight of fracking
During his 2018 campaign, Gavin Newsom pledged to tighten state oversight of fracking and oil extraction.
2018: Elected Governor of California
In 2018, Gavin Newsom was elected governor of California.
2018: Gubernatorial election in 2018
In 2018, Gavin Newsom won the gubernatorial election with a larger margin of victory compared to his 2022 reelection.
2018: Rippey-Tourk Comments on Affair and #MeToo Movement
In 2018, Ruby Rippey-Tourk stated that she did not believe Gavin Newsom's behavior in 2005 should be associated with the #MeToo movement.
2018: Fire destroyed the town of Paradise
In 2018, a fire destroyed the town of Paradise, where at least eight evacuees burned to death in their vehicles.
2018: Expedited review of pardon requests for those facing deportation
In 2018, per California law, pardon requests from people facing deportation were given expedited review by the state Board of Parole Hearings.
January 7, 2019: Sworn in as Governor
On January 7, 2019, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as Governor of California.
January 2019: Newsom Sues Huntington Beach
In late January 2019, Gavin Newsom announced that he would sue Huntington Beach for preventing the construction of affordable housing.
February 2019: State of the State address on Central Valley segment
In his February 2019 State of the State address, Gavin 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, citing cost overruns and delays.
March 13, 2019: Moratorium on California's death penalty declared
On March 13, 2019, Gavin Newsom declared a moratorium on the state's death penalty, preventing any executions while he remained governor. This action also led to the withdrawal of the state's lethal injection protocol and the closure of the execution chamber at San Quentin State Prison. Newsom cited the death penalty as a "racist system" that perpetuates inequality.
May 2019: Pardons granted to formerly incarcerated people facing deportation
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 Home in Fair Oaks
In May 2019, Gavin Newsom's $3.7 million purchase of a 12,000-square-foot home in Fair Oaks was reported as the most expensive private residence sold in the Sacramento region since the year began.
June 2019: Newsom Apologizes for Genocide of Native Americans
In June 2019, Gavin Newsom apologized for the genocide of Native Americans approved and abetted by the California state government in the 19th century.
June 2019: Expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility
In June 2019, the budget passed expanded eligibility for Medi-Cal from solely undocumented minor children to undocumented young adults from ages 19 to 25.
September 2019: Signing of the Wildlife Protection Act
In September 2019, Gavin Newsom signed the Wildlife Protection Act, which prohibited commercial and recreational fur trapping.
September 2019: Newsom vetoes 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.
October 2019: Legislation signed banning fur products and animal cruelty
In October 2019, Gavin Newsom signed legislation prohibiting the manufacture and sale of new fur products in California, as well as legislation banning bobcat hunting, ending the use of most animals in circuses, and strengthening Proposition 6's prohibition on horse meat and horse slaughter.
November 2019: Moratorium on hydraulic fracturing and steam-injected oil drilling
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 granted to avoid deportation to Cambodia or Vietnam
In November 2019, Gavin Newsom pardoned three men who were attempting to avoid being deported to Cambodia or Vietnam. These men had committed crimes separately when they were 19 years old.
December 2019: Parole granted to 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. Despite immigrant rights groups' requests, the refugee 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, an experience he called 'eye-opening' in a 2019 speech, exposing him to global perspectives that influenced his political career.
2019: Newsom's Veto Record
From 2019 to 2021, Newsom vetoed 12.7% of the bills the legislature passed on average.
2019: Newsom attended UN Climate Action Summit
In 2019, Gavin Newsom attended the UN Climate Action Summit, where he spoke of California as a climate leader due to the actions of governors before him.
2019: Newsom's political positions analyzed
In 2019, a CalMatters analysis found that Gavin Newsom's political positions were more moderate than those of almost every Democratic state legislator in California.
2019: Calls for nationwide background checks on ammunition purchases
In 2019, in response to the mass shooting in Virginia Beach, Gavin Newsom called for nationwide background checks on people purchasing ammunition.
2019: Newsom Initially Lists Marin County Home for Sale
In early 2019, Gavin Newsom originally put his Marin County property up for sale for $5.895 million, before eventually removing it from the market after a price reduction.
January 2020: Newsom and Cal Fire falsely claimed 90,000 acres of land treated
In January 2020, Gavin Newsom and Cal Fire falsely claimed that 90,000 acres of land at risk for wildfires had been treated with fuel breaks and prescribed burns.
February 2020: Newsom administration sues federal agencies
In February 2020, the Newsom administration sued federal agencies over the rollbacks to protect imperiled fish in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta in 2019.
February 21, 2020: Recall Petition Introduced
On February 21, 2020, a recall petition was introduced against Gavin Newsom by Orrin Heatlie, citing various grievances including his sanctuary state policy.
March 4, 2020: State of emergency declared due to COVID-19
On March 4, 2020, Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California after the first COVID-19 death in the state. The declaration aimed to help California prepare for and contain the spread of COVID-19 and allowed state agencies to procure equipment and services more easily. Mitigation policies were also prioritized for the homeless population.
March 22, 2020: State of emergency declared due to tree die-off
On March 22, 2020, Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to a mass die-off of trees throughout California that could increase the risk of wildfires.
April 2020: Resumption of hydraulic fracturing permits
In April 2020, state agencies in California resumed issuing new hydraulic fracturing permits.
June 10, 2020: Recall Petition Approved for Circulation
On June 10, 2020, the California secretary of state approved the recall petition against Gavin Newsom for circulation.
August 2020: Verified Signatures Submitted for Recall
By August 2020, 55,000 signatures had been submitted and verified by the California Secretary of State for the recall election against Governor Newsom.
August 2020: Newsom addresses 2020 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: Bill signed allowing transgender inmates to be placed in prisons
In September 2020, Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law allowing California transgender inmates to be placed in prisons that correspond with their gender identity, subject to management and security concerns. This led to a lawsuit by the Women's Liberation Front.
September 2020: Newsom approval rating 64%
In September 2020, Newsom had an approval rating of 64%.
September 23, 2020: Executive order to phase out gasoline-powered 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: New Valid Signatures Submitted for Recall
By October 2020, 890 new valid signatures were submitted for the recall election against Governor Newsom.
November 2020: Growing support for Recall Petition
In November 2020, Governor Newsom's attendance at a party at The French Laundry, despite his public health measures; voter anger over lockdowns, job losses, school and business closures; and a $31 billion fraud scandal at the state unemployment agency were credited for the recall's growing support.
November 17, 2020: Initial Signature Deadline for Recall Petition
November 17, 2020, was the initial signature deadline for the recall petition against Governor Newsom, though it was later extended.
2020: Increased use of executive orders
During the 2020 legislative session, Gavin Newsom used a larger than normal number of executive orders.
2020: Appointments following Harris' election as Vice President
Following Kamala Harris' election as Vice President of the United States in 2020, Gavin Newsom appointed Alex Padilla as California's junior U.S. Senator. He also appointed Shirley Weber as Secretary of State to replace Padilla.
2020: Homelessness Top Issue for California Voters
In 2020, a poll found that California voters thought the most important issue for Newsom and the state legislature to work on was homelessness.
2020: Stringent pandemic restrictions enacted
In 2020, the Newsom administration enacted some of the country's most stringent pandemic restrictions.
January 2021: California had one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country
By January 2021, California had one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country and had only used about 30% of available vaccines.
January 2021: Mismanagement of unemployment benefits reported
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. Another $19 billion in claims remained under investigation for fraud, while legitimate claimants faced delays.
February 2021: Julie Su appointed as deputy secretary of labor
In February 2021, California Labor Secretary Julie Su, a Newsom appointee, was appointed by President Joe Biden as deputy secretary of labor.
February 2021: Newsom's approval rate declines
In February 2021, a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll found that Newsom's approval rate was down to 46%, with 48% disapproval, the highest of his tenure, attributed to public opinion of his management of the pandemic.
March 17, 2021: Extended Signature Deadline for Recall Petition
March 17, 2021, was the extended signature deadline for the recall petition against Gavin Newsom, after a judge ruled that petitioners could have more time due to the pandemic.
April 2021: Commitment to end gas lease sales and oil extraction
In April 2021, Gavin Newsom committed to ending the sale of gas leases by 2024 and ending oil extraction by 2045.
May 2021: California had the 29th-highest death rate of all 50 states
By May 2021, despite enacting stringent pandemic restrictions, California had the 29th-highest death rate of all 50 states.
June 10, 2021: Criticism of Judge Roger Benitez
On June 10, 2021, Gavin Newsom called federal Judge Roger Benitez "a stone cold ideologue" after Benitez struck down California's statewide ban on assault weapons.
June 23, 2021: CapRadio reported false claims by Newsom and Cal Fire
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 with fuel breaks and prescribed burns, while the actual treated area was 11,399 acres, an overstatement of 690%.
August 2021: Newsom Sells Marin County Home
In August 2021, Gavin Newsom sold his Marin County home for $5.9 million in an off-market transaction.
September 14, 2021: Recall Election Held
On September 14, 2021, the recall election was held for Gavin Newsom, with only 38% voting to recall him, allowing him to remain in office.
September 2021: Over half the California population fully vaccinated
By September 2021, over half the population in California was fully vaccinated, the percentage ranking #16 out of the 50 states.
September 2021: Legislation signed to raise minimum age for police officers
In September 2021, Gavin Newsom signed legislation raising the minimum age to become a police officer from 18 to 21. The bills also included restrictions on tear gas use and a ban on employing officers after misconduct. The George Floyd Bill, requiring officers to intervene during excessive force, was also included.
October 2021: Proposal for a buffer between extraction sites and populated areas
In October 2021, Gavin Newsom proposed a 3,200-foot buffer between new fossil fuel extraction sites and densely populated areas.
December 2021: Intention to make California a "sanctuary" for abortion
In December 2021, Gavin 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.
2021: California owed federal government for unemployment benefits
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 to the federal government by 13 states.
2021: Faced Recall Effort
During his tenure, Gavin Newsom faced criticism for his behavior and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic that contributed to an unsuccessful recall effort in 2021.
2021: Newsom's Veto Record
From 2019 to 2021, Newsom vetoed 12.7% of the bills the legislature passed on average.
2021: Campaign Donation from Connie Ballmer
In 2021, Connie Ballmer donated $1 million to the Newsom campaign.
2021: Newsom Signs Bills to Ease Zoning Restrictions
In 2021, Gavin Newsom signed a pair of bills into law that made zoning regulations for housing less restrictive, allowing construction of duplexes and fourplexes in lots previously zoned for single-family homes. He also signed a bill expediting environmental review for new multifamily developments.
2021: Expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility to undocumented residents over 50
In 2021, Gavin Newsom signed legislation expanding Medi-Cal eligibility to undocumented residents over age 50.
2021: Newsom defends wife's nonprofit donations
In 2021, Governor Newsom said that he saw no conflict in his wife's nonprofit accepting donations from companies that lobby his administration.
2021: Poll suggests declining support for capital punishment
In 2021, a poll by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies suggested declining support for capital punishment among California voters.
January 13, 2022: Newsom denies parole to Sirhan Sirhan
On January 13, 2022, Gavin Newsom denied parole to Sirhan Sirhan, Robert F. Kennedy's assassin, despite a parole board's recommendation. Newsom cited Sirhan's lack of insight and shifting narrative about the assassination.
January 2022: Newsom directs dismantling of death row in San Quentin
In January 2022, Gavin Newsom directed the state to begin dismantling its death row in San Quentin, with plans to transform it into a "space for rehabilitation programs." This action involved moving condemned inmates to other prisons with maximum security facilities.
March 2022: Bill signed requiring full coverage of abortion procedures
In March 2022, Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring private health insurance plans in the state to fully cover abortion procedures.
April 2022: CapRadio finds program failed to make progress
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: Approval of state budget guaranteeing healthcare for low-income adults
On June 30, 2022, Gavin 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.
July 6, 2022: Establishment of the Office of Health Care Affordability
On July 6, 2022, Gavin 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: Windfall profits tax and penalty proposal
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom proposed a windfall profits tax and penalty for oil companies due to high gas prices.
September 2022: Newsom Denies Presidential Run in 2024
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom said that he would not run for president in 2024, citing his "vulnerable" 2021 recall.
September 2022: Newsom Signs Bill Making California a Sanctuary State for Transgender Youth
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 107 into law, making California the first sanctuary state for transgender youth.
September 2022: Legislation signed banning animal testing
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom signed legislation that banned animal testing of pesticides and other chemical substances on dogs and cats.
2022: Newsom Signs Bills Addressing Housing Crisis
In 2022, Gavin Newsom signed 39 bills into law aimed at addressing California's housing crisis, including land use reforms to eliminate parking minimums and allow housing on commercially zoned lots. He warned local governments about obstructing housing developments.
2022: Signing of gun control bills
In 2022, Gavin Newsom signed gun control bills passed by the California Legislature, including Assembly Bill 1621, which restricts privately made firearms, and Assembly Bill 2571, which prohibited the marketing of firearms to children. He also signed Senate Bill 1327, enabling private citizens to sue those involved with illegal firearms in California.
2022: Newsom elected to second term
In 2022, Gavin Newsom was elected to a second term as governor of California, defeating Republican state senator Brian Dahle with 59.2% of the vote. This victory marked a smaller margin compared to 2018 and was the first time since 2010 that a Democratic gubernatorial nominee did not secure at least 60% of the vote.
2022: Newsom Declares NIMBYism is Destroying the State
In 2022, Newsom opposed NIMBY (not-in-my-back-yard) sentiment, declaring that "NIMBYism is destroying the state".
2022: Criticism for walking back support for universal health care
In early 2022, Gavin Newsom was criticized for walking back from his support for universal health care and not supporting CalCare, Assembly Bill 1400, which would have instituted single-payer healthcare in California.
January 2023: Homelessness Reaches Record High in California
In January 2023, the number of homeless people in California hit a record high of over 181,000, highlighting the need for more housing units.
February 2023: Organization of Reproductive Freedom Alliance
In February 2023, Gavin Newsom organized the Reproductive Freedom Alliance of state governors supportive of abortion and reproductive rights.
March 2023: Response to Walgreens' abortion pill decision
In March 2023, after Walgreens announced it would refuse to dispense abortion pills in states where it is illegal, Gavin Newsom stated California would cease doing business with Walgreens and explore ways to cancel their $54 million contract with the state prison system.
March 28, 2023: Signing of law authorizing penalties for oil company profits
On March 28, 2023, Gavin Newsom signed a law that authorizes the California Energy Commission to set a profit threshold above which companies would be assessed a financial penalty.
April 2023: The Hill Article Discusses Newsom Presidential Run
An April 2023 article published in The Hill by journalist Sharon Udasin discussed the inevitability of a Newsom presidential run.
April 25, 2023: Newsom Endorses Biden's Reelection Campaign
On April 25, 2023, Gavin Newsom endorsed President Biden's reelection campaign.
May 2023: Schwarzenegger Comments on Newsom's Presidential Future
In May 2023, Schwarzenegger said it was a "no-brainer" that Gavin Newsom would someday run for president.
June 8, 2023: Proposal for a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on gun control
On June 8, 2023, Gavin Newsom proposed a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to raise the age to buy firearms to 21, institute universal background checks, mandate waiting periods, and ban assault weapons for civilians.
June 2023: NewsNation Poll on Newsom Presidential Run
According to a June 2023 poll by NewsNation, 22% of California voters wanted Newsom to enter the 2024 presidential election.
June 2023: Newsom Issues Pride Month Proclamation and Fines School District
In June 2023, Gavin Newsom issued an official state proclamation for Pride Month, and fined a school district $1.5 million for rejecting a curriculum including a biography of Harvey Milk.
September 2023: Appointment of Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate
In September 2023, Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate seat following the death of Dianne Feinstein, fulfilling a promise to appoint a Black woman to the position.
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", which drew both applause and criticism.
October 2023: Veto of insulin co-pay cap bill
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to cap co-pays for insulin at $35.
October 2023: Newsom Vetoes Bills on Unemployment Insurance and Employee Protections
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to provide unemployment insurance to striking workers and another bill to expand protections for laid-off employees, citing financial burden and other concerns.
October 2023: Newsom Vetoes Housing Assistance Bills
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed several bills aimed at expanding access to housing assistance, including measures to repurpose state-owned land and expand eligibility for state housing assistance.
October 2023: Newsom Visits China
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom visited China for a week, meeting with President Xi Jinping and discussing climate change, trade relations, and fentanyl production. He called for better U.S.-China relations.
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 the moderator.
2023: California's fur sales ban becomes effective
In 2023, California's fur sales ban became effective, making California the first state to ban new fur sales.
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., possibly as a starting point for a 2028 presidential bid.
2023: Newsom Discusses Dyslexia
In a 2023 interview, Gavin Newsom said his dyslexia "forced me to find workarounds and think differently—skills I still use every day as governor."
February 2024: Exemption for bakeries in fast food minimum wage bill
In February 2024, Bloomberg News reported that Gavin Newsom pushed for an exemption for businesses that bake and sell bread in AB 1228, a bill that raises the state's minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 per hour, benefiting Panera Bread bakery-cafes owned by Greg Flynn.
March 2024: Washington's Octopus Farming Ban
In March 2024, Washington enacted a ban in Octopus Farming.
July 2024: Campaign for Democracy Raises $24 Million
As of July 2024, Campaign for Democracy, launched by Gavin Newsom, has raised $24 million for direct contributions to candidates and other spending.
July 2024: Newsom Launches Podcast and Endorses Harris for President
In July 2024, Gavin Newsom launched a podcast, Politickin', and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president after Biden's sudden withdrawal from the presidential race.
July 2024: Newsom Signs the SAFETY Act
In July 2024, Gavin Newsom signed the "SAFETY Act", which prohibits schools from outing students' gender identity to their parents without the students' consent.
August 2024: Newsom Warns Counties on Homeless Encampments
In August 2024, Gavin Newsom warned counties that failure to remove homeless encampments would result in a cut of their state funding the next year. He issued this warning after personally visiting and clearing out a Los Angeles homeless encampment.
September 2024: Legislation signed prohibiting octopus farming
In September 2024, Gavin Newsom signed legislation supported by animal rights and environmental activists prohibiting the commercial farming of octopuses in California.
September 2024: Exception to alcohol law for Intuit Dome
In September 2024, the Los Angeles Times reported that Gavin Newsom had signed AB 3206 into law, carving out an exception to the state's last call alcohol law for one specific venue, Intuit Dome, owned by Steve Ballmer.
October 2024: Newsom Signs California Racial Mascots Act
In October 2024, Gavin Newsom signed AB 3074, the "California Racial Mascots Act", which prohibits K-12 schools not run by recognized Native American tribes from using "derogatory" names or mascots.
December 2024: Newsom Criticizes Biden's Pardon of Hunter Biden
In December 2024, Gavin Newsom criticized President Biden for pardoning his son Hunter Biden, expressing disappointment.
2024: Newsom Calls for California Lawmakers to Convene After Trump's 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 upcoming Trump administration.
2024: Targeted End of Gas Lease Sales
By 2024, Newsom committed to ending the sale of gas leases.
2024: Universal Healthcare Expansion
By 2024, all low-income adults will be eligible for the state's Medicaid program regardless of their immigration status.
2024: Newsom on potential appointment to replace Dianne Feinstein
In 2024, Gavin Newsom addressed the possibility of appointing a Black woman to replace Dianne Feinstein if she were to retire or die before her term ended.
2024: Speculation on Newsom's Presidential Aspirations
In 2024, there was much discussion and speculation regarding Newsom's potential future presidential aspirations.
June 2025: Newsom sues Trump over deployment of troops
In June 2025, Gavin Newsom, leading the State of California, filed a federal lawsuit (Newsom v. Trump) challenging the legality of President Trump's deployment of troops to assist with immigration raids' response. The suit argued that the order exceeded the president's statutory powers and violated the Tenth Amendment and the Posse Comitatus Act.
July 2025: Department of Justice lawsuit against California
In July 2025, the Department of Justice named the state of California, Gavin Newsom, and other California public officials in a lawsuit targeting the state's regulations against intensive battery cage eggs, including Proposition 2 and Proposition 12.
2025: Hosted 'This is Gavin Newsom' podcast
Since 2025, Gavin Newsom has hosted the podcast "This is Gavin Newsom".
2028: Possible Presidential Bid in 2028
2028 is the possible year for a presidential bid by Newsom.
2028: Newsom Adjusts Political Approach for Potential 2028 Presidential Campaign
In anticipation of a potential 2028 presidential campaign, Newsom has adjusted his political approach to appeal to a broader electorate.
2035: All new passenger vehicles must be zero-emission
By 2035, all new passenger vehicles sold in California must be zero-emission.
2045: Targeted End of Oil Extraction
Newsom committed to ending oil extraction by 2045.
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