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Gavin Newsom

Governor of California — currently serving. Party, term history, and sourced provenance. Sections fill in as records land.

Gavin Newsom

Democratic California 2019–present In office

Born October 10, 1967

Terms

  1. Governor of California Democratic Current

    January 7, 2019 → present

Background

  • background Born October 10, 1967 in San Francisco; politician, businessman; Democrat; Santa Clara University (BS political science, 1989).
  • achievement Founded PlumpJack Group boutique winery in 1989; company grew to manage 23 businesses including wineries, restaurants, and hotels.
  • role Mayor of San Francisco (2004–2011); elected 2003, reelected 2007; prior Board of Supervisors (1997–2004).
  • role Lieutenant Governor of California (2011–2019); elected 2010, reelected 2014.
  • achievement Governor of California since 2019; elected 2018, reelected 2022; focused on infrastructure, housing, climate, and LGBTQ rights.
  • controversy Faced criticism for personal behavior and leadership during COVID-19 pandemic; unsuccessful recall effort in 2021.

Governors lead the executive branch of their state. Browse other officials in People, or read how state and federal offices fit together in the civics primer. Coverage is honest — current governors plus recent history.