Governor Gavin Newsom’s Extensive Travel During Second Term
During his second term, Gavin Newsom has spent about 20% of his time out of California. This includes a $2 million tour to promote his memoir, hitting major cities like Miami, New York City, Atlanta, and Las Vegas.
According to an analysis by the Press Democrat, he has taken 45 trips outside of California since 2023. His plans to run for president in 2028 correlate to roughly 229 days of travel each year, almost two months annually.
This year alone, Newsom spent at least two weeks away from California, promoting his book at various events, including SXSW in Austin and in significant early Democratic primary states.
Newsom embarked on two prominent trips to Europe, which included a visit to Davos, Switzerland, where he criticized former President Trump, and attendance at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
He also signed a clean energy agreement in London.
In 2026, Newsom managed to raise approximately $136,000 for travel through his PAC, in addition to $58,000 for venue rentals and about $1.6 million for his book, “Youth in a Hurry.”
Newsom’s book promotion appears to be a common strategy for presidential candidates, as he visited crucial Democratic primary locations including Nevada and South Carolina, along with major cities such as New York, Austin, Miami, Nashville, and Boston.
His PAC documented numerous expenses at upscale hotels throughout March, such as the InterContinental in Boston, Le Méridien in New York City, and the Four Seasons in Las Vegas and Palm Beach.
In Atlanta, for a book event with Mayor Andre Dickens, his PAC shelled out $16,500 to rent a venue. Newsom faced some ridicule for mentioning his 960 SAT score to seem relatable. His PAC also incurred charges at a historic hotel in downtown Atlanta.
In total, expenses included $657.61 at Four Seasons Las Vegas, $4,346 at Le Méridien, and $1,350 at the InterContinental Boston, based on Federal Election Commission records.
The tour started in Nashville at the end of February. Spending about $5,300 on meals and accommodations, he continued traveling through Atlanta, Rock Hill, New York, Boston, and Las Vegas.
His spokesperson did not provide details on the overall costs or travel companions for the book tour.
However, Nathan Click, a spokesperson for Newsom, noted earlier that the $1.6 million spent on book purchases “more than paid for itself,” suggesting that free books incentivized donations to his campaign.
Critics have expressed concerns regarding Newsom’s frequent absences, suggesting that he is neglecting his gubernatorial responsibilities. Mark Joffe, president of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association, remarked that Newsom seems to have “quietly resigned” from his duties as he travels more than during his first term.
In response, Newsom’s spokeswoman Izzy Gurdon highlighted that his travels incorporate state duties, meetings focused on California’s economic partnerships, as well as personal activities.
His office also suggested that the apparent increase in travel might be attributed to returning patterns post-pandemic.
The Press Democrat reported that Newsom has logged 14 trips related to his campaign in 2026, which included 11 days classified as “official” travel and three days as personal travel.
The California Protocol Foundation, which is associated with Newsom’s allies, often facilitates international travel, including his visit to the Munich Security Conference this year.
When asked about details on who would be notified regarding his security team during these trips, his office declined to provide comments.
