Gavin Newsom Reveals the Moment He Knew His Marriage Was Over

In his new memoir, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery, California Governor Gavin Newsom reflects on the pivotal moment he realized his marriage to Kimberly Guilfoyle was coming to an end. This revelation traces back to 2004, during his early days as mayor of San Francisco, when he facilitated the marriage of same-sex couples, an act that defied both state and federal law at the time.

Newsom describes witnessing the joy of couples exchanging vows, noting, “I saw something in those marriages that I did not see in my own.” Among those couples were aides from his office and notable figures like comedian Rosie O’Donnell. This experience starkly contrasted with his own relationship, which he later characterized as suffering from a lack of mutual investment.

Career Paths Diverging

Newsom attributes much of the strain in his marriage to the divergent career paths he and Guilfoyle pursued. Just three days after his inauguration as mayor, Guilfoyle moved to New York to begin a new role as a host for Court TV. Newsom recalls how her ambition led her to the conservative political circles of Fox News, a stark departure from their shared liberal upbringing in San Francisco.

Family members had reservations about the couple’s compatibility, with Newsom’s sister, Hilary Newsom, expressing concerns about Guilfoyle’s personality. She described her sister-in-law as “smart, quite smart, but not my type of gal,” noting her need for attention and the high standards she set for herself, which may have contributed to the couple’s disconnect.

Newsom’s mother, Tessa Newsom, also harbored doubts about the union, although she concealed her feelings during the wedding ceremony in December 2001. Tessa’s passing in 2002, after a battle with metastatic breast cancer, was a significant moment in Newsom’s life and marriage. He recalls a painful exchange between his mother and Guilfoyle just days before Tessa’s death, where Guilfoyle was criticized for her perceived shortcomings in their relationship.

Breakdown and Aftermath

The couple’s marriage officially ended in January 2005, marking a significant turning point for both individuals. Following their divorce, Guilfoyle entered a high-profile relationship with Donald Trump Jr., becoming engaged before their split in 2024. Newsom, after a brief period of single life, married Jennifer Siebel Newsom in 2008, and they share four children.

In his memoir, Newsom candidly reflects on his shortcomings during his marriage, admitting, “I gave only a little of myself to Kimberly.” He contrasts the fairy tale image they projected as the “new Kennedys” with the reality of their emotional distance, which he describes as an ever-widening chasm.

As Newsom navigates his political career, with speculation about a potential presidential run in 2024, he uses his personal experiences to shed light on the complexities of his past relationships. The memoir serves not only as a reflection of his life but also as a lens through which he examines his growth as an individual and a leader.