Gavin Christopher Newsom (born October 10, 1967) is an American politician, businessman, and investor serving as the 40th Governor of California since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as 49th Lieutenant Governor of California from 2011 to 2019 and as 42nd Mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. Newsom is known for his progressive policies, business ventures, and influential political career.
As of 2025, Gavin Newsom’s net worth is estimated at $30 million, largely due to his business investments and his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s family wealth.
Quick Facts of Gavin Newsom
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gavin Christopher Newsom |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Kimberly Guilfoyle (2001–2006), Jennifer Siebel Newsom (2008–present) |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Santa Clara University (BS, Political Science) |
| Net Worth | $30 million (2025 estimate) |
Early Life and Education
Gavin Newsom was born in San Francisco to William Alfred Newsom III, a state appeals court judge and attorney for Getty Oil, and Tessa Thomas, a working mother who raised Gavin and his sister Hilary largely on her own after divorcing William in 1971.
Growing up, Newsom faced financial instability and struggled with severe dyslexia, which affected his reading and writing. He attended École Notre Dame des Victoires, a bilingual French-American Catholic school, and later transferred due to his learning challenges. He finished high school at Redwood High School in Larkspur, excelling in baseball and basketball while working part-time jobs to support the family.
In 1985, he enrolled at Santa Clara University on a partial baseball scholarship, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. During college, he studied abroad in Rome, Italy, which broadened his global perspective and influenced his future political career.
Business Ventures
In 1991, at age 24, Newsom co-founded PlumpJack Associates, which included PlumpJack Winery in Napa Valley. Over time, the company expanded to manage over 23 businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retail stores. By 2002, his business holdings were valued at over $6.9 million. Newsom sold his local San Francisco business shares when he became mayor in 2004.
He also hosted The Gavin Newsom Show on Current TV and authored the book Citizenville in 2013, highlighting the use of digital tools to improve democracy.
Political Career
San Francisco Board of Supervisors (1997–2004)
Newsom began his political career when Mayor Willie Brown appointed him to the Parking and Traffic Commission, later becoming its president. In 1997, Brown appointed him to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and Newsom was elected to a full term in 1998. During his tenure, he spearheaded Care Not Cash, a voter initiative that provided housing and services to the homeless, significantly raising his public profile.
Mayor of San Francisco (2004–2011)
Elected in 2003 at age 36, Newsom became San Francisco’s youngest mayor in a century. During his tenure, he:
- Launched the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team and Project Homeless Connect
- Directed the city-county clerk to issue same-sex marriage licenses in 2004, a controversial move that gained national attention
- Established Healthy San Francisco, providing universal healthcare to city residents
Lieutenant Governor of California (2011–2019)
After a failed gubernatorial bid in 2009, Newsom successfully ran for Lieutenant Governor in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014. He focused on:
- Advocating for cannabis legalization
- Creating statewide education programs
- Supporting measures on healthcare and social services
Governor of California (2019–Present)
Newsom won the 2018 gubernatorial election by defeating Republican John H. Cox. Early in his tenure, he ended the California death penalty and issued pardons for seven formerly incarcerated individuals facing deportation. He also advanced policies on transgender rights, gun control, healthcare, and environmental regulations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Newsom faced criticism over the state’s response, which culminated in a recall election in 2021 that ultimately failed. He was reelected in 2022.
Personal Life
Gavin Newsom married Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2001; they divorced in 2006. In 2008, he married filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, with whom he has four children. Jennifer’s father, Ken Siebel, is a successful investment manager, and her family connections significantly contribute to the couple’s wealth.
The Newsoms have owned several high-profile properties in Kentfield and Fair Oaks, California, including a $9.1 million home purchased in 2024.
Family Ties and Misconceptions
Although Gavin Newsom’s family had historic connections by marriage to Nancy Pelosi’s family, he is not Nancy Pelosi’s nephew. Any familial ties were only by marriage and ended decades ago.
Net Worth
Gavin Newsom’s estimated net worth is $30 million. His wealth comes from:
- Business ventures like PlumpJack Associates
- Real estate investments
- His wife’s family wealth
