Newsom Accuses SF Chronicle Editor of Trying to Steal His DNA for Paternity Test

In his upcoming memoir, the California governor claims a former newspaper editor schemed to prove he was secretly related to the wealthy Getty family.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:47am

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In his forthcoming memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry,' California Governor Gavin Newsom alleges that former San Francisco Chronicle editor Phil Bronstein used intrusive tactics to try to obtain a DNA sample from Newsom in order to prove he was secretly related to the wealthy Getty family, with whom the Newsoms have had close ties for generations. Newsom claims Bronstein was intent on harming his political reputation due to this connection.

Why it matters

This accusation from Newsom comes as he prepares to launch a presidential campaign in 2028, and it highlights the ongoing tensions between politicians and the media, as well as the lengths some journalists may go to uncover potentially damaging information about public figures.

The details

Newsom claims Bronstein, who was once married to actress Sharon Stone, was 'convinced that if he could just lay his hands on a strand' of Newsom's hair, it would prove that Newsom's father was not William Alfred Newsom, but rather Gordon Peter Getty, with whom the Newsom family has had close ties. Bronstein reportedly had an 'ax to grind' with Newsom due to their contentious relationship when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco.

  • Newsom's memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry' is set to be released in 2026.
  • Newsom served as mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California who is preparing to launch a presidential campaign in 2028.

Phil Bronstein

The former editor of the San Francisco Chronicle who Newsom claims tried to obtain a DNA sample from him in order to prove he was secretly related to the wealthy Getty family.

Gordon Peter Getty

A member of the wealthy Getty family, with whom the Newsom family has had close ties for generations.

William Alfred Newsom

Gavin Newsom's father, who worked as an attorney managing the Getty family trust.

Steve Hilton

A Republican gubernatorial candidate who has criticized Newsom's 'elitist privilege' and 'rags-to-riches' claims.

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What they’re saying

“He was convinced that if he could just lay his hands on a strand, it would be the first step in proving, once and for all, that my father wasn't William Alfred Newsom but Gordon Peter Getty.”

— Gavin Newsom, California Governor

“From the get-go, it was back and forth. I don't know what Gavin said about Phil, but Phil definitely had an ax to grind with Gavin.”

— Phil Matier, Longtime San Francisco political journalist (Politico)

“There's no better example of elitist privilege than Gavin Newsom. Look at his family and his connections, going back generations. In any other country, you'd call it aristocracy.”

— Steve Hilton, Republican gubernatorial candidate

What’s next

Newsom's memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry' is expected to be a major political event when it is released in 2026, potentially providing further details about his relationship with the media and the Getty family.

The takeaway

This accusation from Newsom highlights the ongoing tensions between politicians and the media, as well as the lengths some journalists may go to uncover potentially damaging information about public figures, even if it means resorting to unethical tactics.