Shall we kick off a campaign?
California Governor Gavin Newsom is stepping into a more “vulnerable” position as he prepares for his expected bid for the presidency. On Tuesday, he promoted his memoir “Youth in a Hurry” on X, a book release initially postponed due to the wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year.
According to publisher Random House, this memoir presents “an intimate and moving account of identity, belonging, and the defining moments that inspired a political career.” In a video shared on X, Newsom expressed that his book would showcase the personalities behind political figures, echoing some familiar themes.
“Many people see my first white shirt and blue suit, and yeah, the gelled hair, and think they know me,” Newsom stated in the video. “This book, however, reveals a really vulnerable side.”
The memoir’s release, previously set for May, was pushed back amid backlash related to the devastating fires affecting parts of Los Angeles in January. Now, it is slated to be published on February 24, 2026.
This memoir will trace Newsom’s upbringing in San Francisco, as the son of a well-known lawyer and judge, William Newsom, who introduced him to the influential Getty family, critical to his political ascent.
Newsom’s childhood included a difficult family dynamic, following his parents’ divorce. His mother struggled, and he mentioned in an interview that the Gettys, a wealthy couple at the time, treated him like a surrogate son, sponsoring lavish experiences, including African safaris.
In the video, Newsom alluded to personal regrets while discussing his family history and political hurdles, sharing photos of loved ones, including Billy Getty, with whom he allegedly had a falling out.
“It’s the whole ‘Exploring the Presidency’ routine: book promotions, enticing stories picked up by major media… everybody’s buzzing about you,” said Christina Bellantoni, a journalism professor at the University of Southern California and a seasoned political reporter.
“It’s clear what he’s aiming for. At the end of the day, this isn’t just about selling books; it’s about getting his name out there,” she added.
Previously, as the mayor of San Francisco, Newsom faced numerous personal scandals stemming from his tumultuous marriage and subsequent divorce from Kimberly Guilfoyle, a prominent figure who later became known for her association with Donald Trump Jr.
Back in 2007, Newsom admitted to an affair with his campaign manager’s wife, Ruby Rippy Tourak, and pledged to seek treatment for alcohol issues. His romantic history included a brief relationship with a 19-year-old college lacrosse player, which later ended, only for him to reconcile with actress Jennifer Siebel.
Newsom’s office has been contacted for comment.
It’s worth noting that former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden both published memoirs prior to their presidential runs. Obama’s “Dreams from My Father” delves into his experience as a biracial child raised by a single mother, while Biden’s “Promises to Keep: About Life and Politics” was published a year before his unsuccessful 2008 presidential campaign.
