SAN FRANCISCO—Gavin Newsom, former mayor of the city of San Francisco was elected as California’s new governor on November 6. He served as the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco from 2004-2011. He was elected as Lieutenant Governor in 2010 and again in 2014.
The newly elected governor expressed his gratitude via Twitter, stating “This is California’s moment. Incredibly honored and privileged to serve as this great state’s next Governor.”
Newsom, as mayor pushed for legislation fighting for universal health care, the legalization of marijuana, gun safety, access to preschool, technology, criminal justice reform, and same-sex marriage. In his “About Me” section of his website, Newsom expressed his passion for topics that are “under attack from Washington” including civil rights, immigration, environmental protection, and affordable access to schooling at all levels.
With a little over 39 million residents in California, Newsom’s campaign was based on optimism and a future that provides equal opportunity and success for all. On his campaign website, he mentioned that California, being the fifth largest economy in the world, needs to protect all of its residents and their rights to continue to be sustainable.
Since his election, Newsom has taken to multiple platforms to express his efforts in assisting California with its current crises including wildfires and gun violence. As acting governor, he wrote a letter to President Trump requesting a Presidential Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance of Wildfires. He expressed California’s need for assistance for the fires as they are destroying acres of California land, homes and its infrastructure.
Newsom thanked firefighters via Twitter writing, “Thinking of our firefighters today. Thank you for your courage and willingness to put your lives on the line to protect our CA communities. To all those in affected areas — please listen to local authorities’ warnings and follow all evacuation orders.”
Newsom will be sworn in as Governor of California in January 2019, as the successor to Governor Brown. Brown served as governor from 1975-1983 and from 2011-2018.
