Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Jennifer Siebel Newsom

No. 34 Jennifer Siebel Newsom

There is not a more challenging person to assess for this list than the self-described First Partner. On the one hand, it could be argued that Siebel Newsom, much like Maria Shriver and Anne Gust Brown before her, elevated the role of a gubernatorial spouse from one once seen as mostly supportive or ceremonial to one of political and policy importance. Along those lines, the former documentary filmmaker has spearheaded numerous projects of note, with a focus on gender equity and online child safety. And of course she is always guaranteed to have the final word with him on those and any other issues she cares about. But does that carry over to the myriad of other issues on Gavin Newsom’s agenda? It is hard to imagine he would not listen to her opinion regardless of the subject, but only they know for sure how much. But with her having her own agenda to pursue, it is also hard to imagine her getting into the weeds with him on policy the way his actual advisors do.

Updated Aug. 11, 2026