California Governor Gavin Newsom is bracing for a wave of public scrutiny as he prepares to release an unusually candid autobiography in February 2026—a move that may shape his standing as the leading contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. At a Democratic National Committee (DNC) meeting in Los Angeles on December 11, 2025, Newsom openly acknowledged his anxiety about how voters and critics, particularly conservatives, will react to the personal revelations contained in his forthcoming memoir.
“Just being honest—it comes with a cost,” Newsom told attendees, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times. The governor emphasized that his new book, co-written with former Los Angeles Times reporter Mark Arax, would not be the typical sanitized politician’s autobiography. “This is not a politician’s book, it’s not a book that you would expect me to write,” Newsom remarked. “It’s all out there.”
The timing of the memoir’s release is hardly accidental. With speculation swirling about a 2028 presidential run, Newsom appears eager to introduce himself to the nation on his own terms. The book promises to delve into some of the most turbulent chapters of his life—many already public knowledge—including his admission of an extramarital affair in 2007 while serving as San Francisco’s mayor, and the painful account of his mother’s death by assisted suicide in 2002 after a long battle with breast cancer. Newsom has also spoken about his childhood hardships, such as watching his mother struggle financially, and the influence of oil executive Gordon Getty and his wife, Ann, who exposed him to opportunities his family couldn’t otherwise afford.
“This is a story about a kid who always felt like he wasn’t quite enough,” Newsom shared in a promotional video for the book. “This is a truly vulnerable book, it was incredibly hard, even painful, to write.” The memoir will be Newsom’s third published work, following his 2013 book Citizenville and the 2021 children’s book Ben and Emma’s Big Hit, the latter inspired by his struggles with dyslexia.
But as Newsom looks to raise his profile nationally, his record as governor is under increasing scrutiny—both from within his own party and from political opponents. According to US News & World Report, California currently ranks dead last in affordability, a sore spot as cost of living dominates national conversations. Despite being home to Silicon Valley and boasting an economy larger than those of India or the United Kingdom, California ranks 45th in economic growth and 42nd in fiscal stability. The state’s budget has ballooned by roughly 61% since fiscal year 2018-2019, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office projects the current $18 billion deficit could nearly double to $35 billion by fiscal year 2027-2028.
Critics argue that, despite this massive government expansion and spending, Newsom has not delivered solutions to California’s most pressing problems. Homelessness, for example, remains a persistent crisis. The Hoover Institution reported that the state spent $24 billion fighting homelessness from 2019 to 2024, yet the homeless population rose by about 30,000 people during that period, now exceeding 181,000. This translates to roughly $160,000 spent per homeless person, with little improvement to show for it.
Public safety is another vulnerability. California is ranked 43rd in the nation, and crime remains a major concern for voters. Newsom has also faced criticism for his handling of immigration policy, especially as he positioned himself as a leading opponent of former President Trump’s aggressive deportation agenda. While some Americans recoil at Trump’s heavy-handed tactics, many are wary of candidates they perceive as supporting open borders or blanket amnesty—an image Newsom’s opponents are likely to exploit in swing states.
Yet, Newsom’s political instincts have kept him at the forefront of Democratic politics. He’s worked diligently to moderate his image, at times hosting conservative figures like Steve Bannon and the late Charlie Kirk on his podcast, and even debating on Fox News. These moves, as reported by RealClearPolitics, are part of a broader strategy to counter perceptions that he is too far left for the national stage. He’s also publicly opposed some progressive policies, hoping to broaden his appeal beyond California’s liberal base.
Polling reflects the complex reality of Newsom’s position. The Public Policy Institute of California recently found his favorability at 56% in the state—a 10-point jump since June. Among Democrats nationwide, he leads Vice President Kamala Harris by six points (26% to 20%) as the preferred 2028 nominee, according to RealClearPolitics. His recent victory with Proposition 50, a ballot measure redrawing congressional maps to favor Democrats, has further boosted his standing at home.
Still, the question remains whether Newsom’s California record will translate to the national stage. As The Wall Street Journal reported, the state’s response to disasters like the Palisades fire has been widely criticized for failures in preparation, response, and rebuilding. Of the 6,837 structures destroyed, only one has been rebuilt—a show home that cannot even be occupied. “Reminders are everywhere that public officials failed to prepare, failed to respond, and have spent much of the time since…failing to allow homeowners to rebuild,” the Journal observed.
Newsom’s political future is further complicated by recent controversies surrounding his administration. His appearance at the DNC meeting was one of his few public events since his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, was arrested on federal corruption charges. Williamson’s attorney, McGregor Scott, told the Los Angeles Times that federal authorities had approached her more than a year ago regarding an investigation involving Newsom. The governor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and maintains he is unaware of the details, but the episode adds another layer of uncertainty as he eyes higher office.
Meanwhile, Newsom is set to deliver his final State of the State address on January 8, 2026, marking the start of his last year as governor. After years of breaking with tradition by submitting written remarks, he has called for an in-person address before a joint session of the Legislature. In a letter to legislative leaders, Newsom reflected, “Over the past seven years, we have tackled some of the state’s most significant problems and improved countless lives in this miraculous state, blessed and challenged by Mother Nature and enriched by ingenuity and hard work.”
As the 2028 presidential race begins to take shape, Newsom’s candid memoir and his record in California will likely dominate the conversation. His ability to persuade voters beyond the Golden State that he is ready for the Oval Office may prove to be his greatest challenge yet. For now, the nation waits to see if his story—laid bare for all to see—will be enough to win their trust.
