Gavin Newsom Releases New Memoir Ahead of Potential 2028 Presidential Run

The California governor's book 'Young Man in a Hurry' is seen as a precursor to a White House bid, but critics say it's stuck in the past.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Gavin Newsom, the current governor of California, has released a new memoir titled 'Young Man in a Hurry' that is widely viewed as a precursor to a potential 2028 presidential run. The book covers Newsom's upbringing, his early political career, and his time as mayor of San Francisco. However, the book has been criticized as an 'exhausting hagiography' that is out of touch with the current political climate, still adhering to a 'pre-COVID, pre-Oct. 7, pre–ICE raids United States' playbook of 'friendly and folksy version of neoliberalism'.

Why it matters

Newsom has emerged as one of the more likely Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election, and this memoir is seen as a way for him to position himself and build national name recognition. However, the book has been panned by critics who argue that Newsom's brand of politics is outdated and will not resonate with voters who are looking for more progressive and transformative change.

The details

The memoir covers Newsom's childhood, including his struggles with dyslexia, his parents' divorce, and his close relationship with oil heir Gordon Getty. It also delves into Newsom's time as mayor of San Francisco, where he gained national attention for issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004. The book has been criticized for its 'unforced error' in recounting Newsom's 2005 affair with his chief of staff's wife, as well as its portrayal of his ex-wife Kimberly Guilfoyle.

  • Newsom's memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry' was released on February 25, 2026.
  • Los Angeles is hosting the Summer Olympics in 2028, the same year that Newsom is expected to make a play for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California and a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate.

Gordon Getty

An oil heir who was a close friend and adviser to Newsom's father, William Newson III.

Kimberly Guilfoyle

Newsom's ex-wife from 2001 to 2006, who later became a conservative commentator and briefly engaged to Donald Trump Jr.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has publicly mocked Newsom as 'Newscum'.

Kamala Harris

The former vice president who is gently threatening to run for president again in 2028.

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What they’re saying

“He is an American manifestation, the peddler at our door. The more he stretches the truth in the name of the sale, the more desperate he becomes. Once inside our living room, however, he is far more malignant than any of that.”

— Gavin Newsom (Slate)

“Her father, Anthony, must have wondered what had gotten into this girl. He became one of my staunchest supporters and schooled me on whom I could trust and whom I could never turn my back on.”

— Gavin Newsom (Slate)

What’s next

Newsom has not formally announced any intention to run for president, but his memoir and recent actions suggest he is positioning himself for a 2028 White House bid. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Newsom's memoir is seen as an attempt to position himself as a leading contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, but critics argue that his brand of politics is outdated and will not resonate with voters who are looking for more progressive and transformative change.