Gavin Newsom Mocked by Surprise Guest Seth Meyers on Jimmy Kimmel Show

Former SNL star delivers scathing impersonation of California governor during late-night TV appearance.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, California Governor Gavin Newsom was the target of a ruthless send-up by former SNL star and late-night host Seth Meyers. Meyers arrived onstage riding a skateboard and delivered a stinging impersonation of Newsom, mocking the governor's efforts to unite the diverse people of California.

Why it matters

Newsom's appearance on the popular late-night show comes amid ongoing speculation about his potential 2028 presidential ambitions, even as he continues to face criticism back home in California over issues like the state's homelessness crisis. Meyers' surprise impersonation highlights the governor's public persona and the scrutiny he faces, both in California and nationally.

The details

Toward the end of Newsom's interview with Kimmel, which was meant to promote his new memoir, Meyers arrived onstage and proceeded to mock the governor. Sporting Newsom's trademark suit-and-tieless look, Meyers awarded the governor a mock trophy "for your tireless work in uniting the people of Cali," joking about Newsom's efforts to appeal to the state's diverse population, from "meth dealers of Riverside to the shapely Armenians of the Glendale Galleria." Newsom chuckled awkwardly as Meyers continued his impersonation.

  • Newsom appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California who appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote his new memoir.

Seth Meyers

A former cast member of Saturday Night Live and current late-night host who delivered a surprise impersonation of Governor Newsom during the show.

Jimmy Kimmel

The host of the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! where the incident took place.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, man. I am so psyched to be here for a Newsom twosome. I mean, I just came from a ribbon-cutting sesh at a shelter for non-binary chihuahuas.”

— Seth Meyers (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

“Plated with platinum that was ethically sourced from all my expired AMEX cards. And it holds an entire magnum of this thick-a-- Sauv Blanc.”

— Seth Meyers (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

What’s next

The incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny and criticism Newsom faces, both in California and nationally, as speculation continues about his potential 2028 presidential ambitions.

The takeaway

Meyers' surprise impersonation of Newsom on the popular late-night show underscores the governor's public persona and the challenges he faces in navigating California's diverse political landscape while also fending off criticism over issues like the state's homelessness crisis.