As wealth becomes a potential liability for Democrats, affluent members of the party are starting to share narratives of childhood struggles and family difficulties, according to JP de Gance, who founded the nonprofit Communio. He mentioned, “Privilege is one of the worst things you can have in a progressive ideology.”
De Gance pointed out that California Governor Gavin Newsom exemplifies this dynamic. Recent memoirs and media features highlight his upbringing, which contrasts his family’s connections to the wealthy Getty conglomerate with the challenges he faced, like divorce, dyslexia, and financial struggles. He recounted chores and his mother taking in foster children to make ends meet.
“They’re really tapping into stories about family trauma and childhood experiences. As candidates introduce themselves on a national platform, they often share their struggles—like maybe growing up as a busser,” de Gance observed. This storytelling may gain traction as the 2028 presidential election approaches, particularly among Democrats from affluent backgrounds looking to resonate with voters facing economic hardships.
A representative for Newsom defended his memoir as an honest portrayal of his background, saying, “The book provides a full, unvarnished story of his upbringing, recognizing his ties to wealth while also addressing the difficulties he faced.”
De Gance, whose organization works to strengthen marriages and families, collaborated on a study with the Austin Institute. He noted that figures like Newsom and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker show a shift in Democratic campaigning towards emphasizing emotional struggles that better connect with voters.
He mentioned that a survey found 67% of voters with married parents identify as conservative, while only 46% of those under 30 grew up in two-parent households. “Most young Americans today come from homes where their parents weren’t married,” he added.
Moreover, Newsom has openly discussed his difficult childhood, including experiences of eating simple meals and managing his learning disabilities. De Gance commented on the tendency to frame oneself as a victim of past grievances, suggesting it helps connect with similar experiences many voters have.
Despite his privileged connections, backlash emerged following a Vogue profile that scrutinized Newsom’s narratives of hardship, leading some to doubt the authenticity of his claims. The profile reflected on his contradictory upbringing, where he had access to wealth yet faced tangible struggles.
Pritzker, another affluent Democratic governor and 2028 hopeful, has shared his own family challenges, including losing his father young and his mother’s struggles with alcohol. He described his upbringing as feeling “deprived,” likening it to being an orphan. Both he and Newsom use their backgrounds in ways that may resonate with voters amid changing societal dynamics.
