Gavin Newsom's High School Makeover: From 'Newscum' to 'El Presidente'

California governor's signature look was born out of teenage insecurity and a TV drama obsession, memoir reveals.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:31pm by Ben Kaplan

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In his new memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry,' California Gov. Gavin Newsom opens up about his high school days, when he was bullied and called 'Newscum.' To reinvent himself, Newsom took inspiration from the TV show 'Remington Steele' and began slicking back his hair with gel and occasionally wearing a suit to school. This transformation helped change his reputation, and his peers started calling him 'El Presidente' - a nickname that proved prophetic as he went on to become the governor of California.

Why it matters

Newsom's high school makeover sheds light on how image and perception can be powerful tools, especially for those facing bullying and insecurity. His story highlights the impact that media and pop culture can have on shaping one's self-image and identity, even at a young age.

The details

According to the memoir, Newsom's undiagnosed dyslexia made him a target for bullies at Redwood High School in Marin County. To combat this, he became obsessed with the '80s TV drama 'Remington Steele' and its suave, suit-wearing protagonist, played by Pierce Brosnan. Newsom meticulously learned to slick back his hair with gel and would occasionally wear a full suit to school, transforming his appearance. This makeover helped change his reputation, and the bully who had dubbed him 'Newscum' backed off, with his peers giving him the new nickname 'El Presidente' - a moniker that would foreshadow his future political career.

  • Newsom attended Redwood High School in Marin County in the 1980s.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California who, as a teenager, underwent a makeover inspired by the TV show 'Remington Steele' to combat bullying and reinvent his image.

Pierce Brosnan

The actor who played the suave, suit-wearing protagonist on the '80s TV drama 'Remington Steele,' which inspired Newsom's high school makeover.

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The takeaway

Newsom's high school transformation highlights the power of image and perception, especially for those facing insecurity and bullying. His story shows how media and pop culture can shape one's self-identity, even at a young age, and how reinventing one's appearance can be a powerful tool for change.