View gallery Image Credit: Getty Images Gavin Newsom has long been one of the most influential figures in American politics. Currently serving as the Governor of California, he first rose to prominence as the Mayor of San Francisco, where his progressive policies- including his early support for same-sex marriage-made national headlines. Since taking office as governor in 2019, Newsom has remained at the center of major state and national conversations, from climate initiatives and housing reform to his public clashes with federal leaders.