The two, separate lives of Gavin Newsom detailed in new memoir - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Taryn Luna

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Gavin Newsom’s new memoir *Young Man in a Hurry* offers an intimate look into his dual upbringing, exploring the stark contrast between the opulence of his father’s life intertwined with the Getty oil family and the modest realities of growing up with his single mother. In the book, Newsom reflects on moments like being dressed in designer Brioni suits by his father’s affluent friends for high-profile events, such as a royal debutante party in Spain, while back home he and his sister would feign dissatisfaction with luxury gifts to return them and use the store credit for more practical presents for their mother. This duality shaped Newsom’s identity, as he grapples with how his privileged experiences have been perceived in contrast to his humble beginnings. The memoir delves into Newsom’s complex family dynamics, revealing how his mother, Tessa, worried about him embracing a world that felt mismatched with his true self. She saw the pursuit of wealth and power as an attempt to reconcile his dyslexia and the fractured sense of identity from growing up in two starkly different worlds. Meanwhile, Newsom’s father, William, shared his son’s passion for politics, fostering a closer bond between them through their shared interests. The book also highlights how Newsom’s journey into public life was driven by a desire to understand his roots and overcome the anxieties stemming from his upbringing. As he considers a potential 2028 presidential run, *Young Man in a Hurry* serves as both a personal narrative and a preemptive response to critics who might scrutinize his past. By framing his story as one of self-discovery, Newsom aims to rewrite the narrative that often casts him as a politically calculating figure. His memoir not only sheds light on his family’s history but also on how these experiences have shaped his career and worldview. For readers interested in politics and personal storytelling, this book offers a unique perspective on identity, ambition, and the forces that shape a public figure’s journey to power.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/15/2026