Gavin Newsom Begs for Donations in Exchange for His New Memoir: ‘Even $5 Helps’

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is offering supporters a copy of his upcoming memoir in exchange for donations of any amount, according to a Jan. 31 fundraising email sent ahead of the book’s scheduled release later this month, as reported by The New York Post.

In the message, Newsom promotes his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, which is set for release on February 24, and tells recipients that contributing to his Campaign for Democracy Committee will earn them a complimentary copy of the book.

The governor described the memoir as a departure from standard political fare.

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“It’s a good book. Very personal. Not your normal political book at all,” Newsom wrote in the email.

Newsom told donors that the average cost per book is $22.45, including shipping, but emphasized that contributions of any size would qualify.

“If you can give that, great. If you can only give $5, great,” he wrote.

“We just spent a bunch of money on passing Prop 50, so now I need to refill the coffers at my Campaign for Democracy for the fights ahead … and heaven knows there are many fights ahead.”

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The Campaign for Democracy Committee directs donations to a similarly named political action committee, according to a campaign disclosure link included in the Jan. 31 message.

This might not be the book people expected me to write.

It’s about something universal — the messiness of becoming who we are.

Young Man in a Hurry is out February 2026.

Pre-order it here: https://t.co/WMGKrREIre pic.twitter.com/OtB0MlcFSf

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 9, 2025

The PAC, which was formed in 2023, has spent millions on political advertising, polling, and other activities aimed at boosting Newsom’s national profile as he is widely expected to seek the presidency in 2028.

The memoir focuses on Newsom’s upbringing in San Francisco, his childhood struggles with dyslexia, and his early political development.

He writes about growing up as the son of divorced parents, Tessa Menzies and Bill Newsom, a well-connected attorney and judge who had close ties to oil billionaire Gordon Getty.

Newsom describes financial struggles in his household and recounts being bullied during his school years, experiences he says shaped his ambition and public persona.

The book also discusses his personal life, including his romantic relationships, and recounts the origins of the “Newscum” nickname popularized by President Donald Trump.

Media coverage of the memoir has already drawn attention to what critics have described as inconsistencies between Newsom’s claims of hardship and his family’s political and financial connections.

David Johnson, a public relations professional who specializes in book launches, said using the memoir as a fundraising incentive carries risks.

“This move is a disaster for him long term – as a book publicist, it reframes the book as a political trinket,” Johnson said. “It signals the book can’t stand on its own … it’s nothing but a campaign vehicle.”

Johnson also warned the strategy could alienate independent booksellers, who play a key role in reaching politically moderate readers.

“I’m not saying he won’t sell books off it, but how many are actually read is the bigger question,” he said. “It hurts credibility with people who are in the middle politically.”

Newsom is following a path taken by several national figures. Former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden both released memoirs before their presidential runs.

Pennsylvania Sen. Josh Shapiro, who is also viewed as a potential 2028 contender, published a memoir last month.

Newsom’s book details his years at Redwood High School in Marin County, where he writes that bullying over dyslexia led him to wear suits inspired by the television character Remington Steele.

He also recounts becoming a follower of self-help speaker Tony Robbins in his 20s to learn how to project confidence, according to reporting by Politico.

Using books as campaign-related fundraising tools has precedent.

In 2015, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz faced criticism after his presidential campaign spent $122,000 on bulk purchases of his book A Time for Truth, leading the New York Times to exclude it from its bestseller list.

Johnson said Newsom could face similar treatment, noting that some lists may include the memoir “with an asterisk.”

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