Gavin Newsom is an American politician, businessman and member of the Democratic Party who serves as the 40th Governor of California. He has held the position since January 2019 after previously serving as lieutenant governor and mayor of San Francisco.
Born on October 10, 1967, Newsom built a successful hospitality and wine business before rising through California politics. His leadership of the country’s most populous state has also made him one of the most prominent Democratic politicians in the United States.
Quick Facts About Gavin Newsom
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gavin Christopher Newsom |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1967 |
| Age | 58 years old |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Politician and businessman |
| Political Party | Democratic Party |
| Current Position | 40th Governor of California |
| Governor Since | January 7, 2019 |
| Former Position | Lieutenant Governor of California |
| Former Position | Mayor of San Francisco |
| Wife | Jennifer Siebel Newsom |
| Children | Four |
| Education | Santa Clara University |
| Business | Co-founder of PlumpJack Group |
| Net Worth | Exact figure not publicly confirmed |
Gavin Newsom Early Life and Family
Gavin Christopher Newsom was born on October 10, 1967, in San Francisco, California. His parents were William Alfred Newsom III and Tessa Thomas Menzies.
His father worked as an attorney and later became a California appeals court judge. Newsom’s parents separated when he was young, and he was primarily raised by his mother.
Newsom has also spoken publicly about living with dyslexia. He struggled with reading and academics during parts of his childhood but eventually completed university and entered business.
His upbringing in the San Francisco Bay Area later influenced both his business interests and political career.
Gavin Newsom Education
Newsom attended Redwood High School in Marin County, California. After finishing high school, he enrolled at Santa Clara University.
He graduated from Santa Clara University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. During college, he was also involved in baseball before an injury affected his ability to continue playing competitively.
After graduation, Newsom chose entrepreneurship rather than immediately entering politics.
Gavin Newsom Business Career
Before becoming a major political figure, Gavin Newsom established himself as a businessman.
In 1992, he co-founded a wine shop that became the foundation of the PlumpJack Group. The company later expanded into wineries, restaurants, bars, retail businesses and hospitality properties.
Newsom developed the company with several business partners and financial supporters. Over time, PlumpJack became particularly well known in California’s wine and hospitality industries.
As his political career grew, questions about potential conflicts between public office and his businesses received attention. After becoming governor, Newsom placed his business interests into a blind trust and stepped away from their daily management.
Members of his family and business partners have continued to operate the company.
Gavin Newsom Early Political Career
Newsom’s political career began in San Francisco. He first served on the city’s Parking and Traffic Commission before joining the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
His growing local profile eventually led him to run for mayor.
In 2003, Newsom won the San Francisco mayoral election. He took office in January 2004 and became one of the youngest people elected mayor of the city in modern history.
Newsom attracted national attention during his time as mayor, particularly in 2004 when he directed San Francisco officials to issue marriage licences to same-sex couples.
He remained mayor until January 2011.
Gavin Newsom as Lieutenant Governor of California
Newsom was elected Lieutenant Governor of California in 2010. He took office in January 2011 and served alongside Governor Jerry Brown.
He won re-election in 2014 and remained lieutenant governor until 2019.
The position gave Newsom a statewide political platform and helped prepare him for his later campaign for governor.
Gavin Newsom as Governor of California
Gavin Newsom won the 2018 California gubernatorial election and was sworn in as the 40th Governor of California on January 7, 2019.
His first term included major challenges such as wildfires, housing affordability, homelessness and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also faced a recall election in 2021 but remained in office after voters rejected the effort to remove him.
Newsom successfully won re-election in 2022, securing a second term as governor.
His administration has focused on issues including climate policy, healthcare, education, reproductive rights, gun laws, economic development and housing.
As of 2026, Newsom remains Governor of California and is serving the final year of his second term.
Gavin Newsom Wife and Personal Life
Gavin Newsom is married to Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a filmmaker, actress and advocate. She is known officially in California as the First Partner rather than First Lady.
The couple married in 2008.
Jennifer has produced and directed documentary films dealing with gender representation and social issues. She has also been involved in initiatives focused on women, children and families.
Before his marriage to Jennifer, Newsom was married to Kimberly Guilfoyle. They married in 2001 and later divorced.
Newsom has generally balanced his public political career with a family life that receives considerably less attention than his government work.
Gavin Newsom Children
Gavin and Jennifer Newsom have four children together: Montana, Hunter, Brooklynn and Dutch.
The couple has generally attempted to maintain privacy around their children despite Newsom’s high-profile political career.
Newsom has frequently spoken publicly about parenting and family issues while serving as governor.
Gavin Newsom Net Worth and Earnings
Gavin Newsom is a wealthy businessman and politician, but his exact net worth is not publicly confirmed.
His financial position is closely linked to interests in the PlumpJack Group, which includes wineries, restaurants and other hospitality businesses. Some of those businesses are highly valuable, but public financial disclosures do not provide enough information to calculate Newsom’s precise ownership percentage or total wealth.
Newsom and his wife have also reported substantial annual income. Recent tax records showed household income generally ranging between about $1.7 million and $2 million annually from 2022 through 2024.
Most of that income came from business interests rather than Newsom’s salary as governor.
Because his business ownership is disclosed in broad ranges and his exact stakes are unclear, claims assigning Newsom a precise 2026 net worth should be treated cautiously.
Gavin Newsom and the 2028 Presidential Speculation
Newsom’s national profile has grown considerably during his years as California governor. This has led to widespread discussion about whether he could eventually seek the presidency.
He has increasingly appeared in national political debates and has travelled outside California to promote Democratic policies and challenge Republican positions.
However, speculation about a future presidential campaign should not be confused with a formal candidacy. As of 2026, his confirmed position remains Governor of California.
Gavin Newsom’s Political Career and Current Role
The Gavin Newsom biography combines entrepreneurship with nearly three decades of involvement in California public life.
His political journey has taken him from local government in San Francisco to mayor, lieutenant governor and ultimately governor of California. His business background has also remained an important part of his public profile.
At 58 years old, Newsom remains the 40th Governor of California in 2026. With his second gubernatorial term approaching its conclusion, attention continues to focus on what role he may pursue next in American politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Gavin Newsom?
Gavin Newsom is an American businessman and Democratic politician who serves as the 40th Governor of California. He previously served as lieutenant governor of California and mayor of San Francisco.
Q2: How old is Gavin Newsom?
Gavin Newsom is 58 years old as of August 2026. He was born on October 10, 1967, in San Francisco, California.
Q3: Who is Gavin Newsom’s wife?
Gavin Newsom is married to Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a filmmaker and the First Partner of California. The couple married in 2008.
Q4: How many children does Gavin Newsom have?
Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel Newsom have four children. Their names are Montana, Hunter, Brooklynn and Dutch.
Q5: What is Gavin Newsom’s net worth in 2026?
Gavin Newsom’s exact net worth is not reliably established publicly. His wealth is linked largely to business interests in wineries, restaurants, hospitality companies, property and other investments.
Q6: What businesses does Gavin Newsom own?
Newsom co-founded the PlumpJack Group, which developed businesses involving wine, wineries, restaurants, retail and hospitality. His interests were placed into a blind trust after he became governor.
Q7: Is Gavin Newsom running for president in 2028?
Gavin Newsom has been widely discussed as a possible future presidential candidate. However, speculation about 2028 does not by itself mean he has formally become a candidate.
