Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed his apprehensions about the public’s response to his upcoming autobiography during a Democratic National Committee meeting in Los Angeles on Thursday. He acknowledged that the book, which is set to delve deeply into both his personal life and the lives of those around him, may provoke criticism and controversy.
“Just being honest — it comes with a cost,” Newsom remarked, revealing the candid nature of the memoir co-written with former Los Angeles Times reporter Mark Arax. The governor noted that Arax made it clear he would only participate in the project if Newsom was willing to share genuine, unfiltered insights about his life. This openness has left Newsom contemplating how certain passages might be perceived, especially by conservative commentators, who he anticipates will scrutinize his revelations.
The memoir is not without its share of challenging topics. Newsom’s past includes notable controversies, such as his admission of an affair in 2007 with the wife of a long-serving aide while he was the mayor of San Francisco. His mother, Tessie, died through assisted suicide in 2002 after battling breast cancer, a deeply emotional event that has shaped much of his life and perspectives. Newsom has also reflected on his upbringing, where he witnessed his mother’s struggles and the significant role played by oil executive Gordon Getty and his wife, who provided him with experiences beyond his family’s means.
This book marks Newsom’s third publication and arrives at a crucial juncture as he considers a potential run for the presidency in 2028. Given his increasing visibility as a leading Democratic figure opposed to former President Trump, particularly on issues like immigration and disaster recovery, the memoir could serve as an avenue for him to connect with voters across battleground states. A promotional book tour would not only enhance his public profile but also facilitate engagement with a national audience at a time when interest in his political future is surging.
During Thursday’s DNC meeting, Newsom also faced scrutiny linked to his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, who has been arrested on federal corruption charges. Despite the allegations surrounding Williamson, Newsom has not been implicated in any wrongdoing. The case has drawn parallels with a contentious sex discrimination investigation against Activision Blizzard, a major gaming company based in Santa Monica, California, which Newsom’s administration has overseen. When asked about whether any investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice are linked to the handling of the Activision case, Newsom indicated awareness but no further details.
In terms of political achievements, Newsom’s recent participation at the DNC was seen as a celebration of the successful passage of Proposition 50, a measure designed to reshape California’s congressional maps to benefit Democratic candidates ahead of upcoming midterm elections. This strategy aligns with national efforts to maintain Democratic control, countering previous Republican initiatives to redraw electoral maps favorably.
As he mingled with DNC members and discussed fundraising efforts for Democratic initiatives in Missouri, the governor highlighted the stakes involved in his political engagement.
The memoir, slated for publication in February, promises to be an in-depth examination of Newsom’s life, revealing vulnerabilities and personal challenges. In a promotional video, he described himself as someone who often felt inadequate, emphasizing the emotional toll of writing about his life experiences.
Newsom’s literary journey began with “Citizenville,” released in 2013, followed by a children’s book published in 2021 that drew from his own struggles with dyslexia.
In the midst of these developments, he also underscored the urgency of obtaining federal aid for recovery efforts following wildfires in Los Angeles, making a visit to Capitol Hill last week to advocate for the necessary funding. Looking ahead, Newsom announced he will present his final State of the State address on January 8, opting for a traditional in-person format after years of relying on written statements. This address is expected to reflect on his tenure as governor, highlighting the accomplishments and challenges faced by the state.
