Essay: Gavin Newsom: They told me it was political suicide. I did it anyway - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Gavin Newsom

February 24, 2026

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Gavin Newsom’s new memoir, *Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery*, offers an intimate look at his early career and pivotal decisions as California’s governor. In an excerpt from the book, Newsom recalls attending George W. Bush’s 2004 State of the Union address, where Bush criticized “activist judges” for threatening the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and called for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. This speech deeply troubled Newsom, as he realized it targeted his own constituents, including LGBTQ+ staff and Californians. Despite political caution from advisors, who warned against taking on such a controversial issue, Newsom decided to challenge the status quo. At the time, California law restricted marriage to heterosexual couples, with Proposition 2.11 in 1977 explicitly banning same-sex unions. Newsom, citing Article I of the California Constitution, which guarantees equality and dignity for all individuals, defied this law by directing state officials to issue marriage licenses to LGBTQ+ couples. His aides warned him that supporting same-sex marriage was political suicide, especially given low public support in California—at just 30% approval—and the fact that Newsom’s office was still new. However, Newsom saw an opportunity to advance civil rights and refused to back down. The move was a bold step in a deeply divided state and nation. While opponents argued for caution, Newsom believed he had a moral obligation to act. His decision sparked a cultural and legal revolution in California, paving the way for landmark rulings like the 2013 Supreme Court case *Hollingsworth v. Perry*, which invalidated Proposition 8 and upheld same-sex marriage nationwide. This excerpt highlights how one political leader’s willingness to take a stand can shape the course of history, even when the odds are against them. For readers interested in politics, civil rights, or leadership, this story offers insight into the power of courage in the face of adversity. Newsom’s memoir不仅是a personal account of his journey but

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/24/2026