Governor Newsom is a disaster. He can’t properly govern his own state that’s suffering from major issues.
But now Gavin Newsom’s latest deranged statement on social media has him in hot water.
Gavin Newsom’s “First Partner” Post Creates Social Media Firestorm
California Governor Gavin Newsom found himself at the center of a heated online debate after posting a birthday tribute to his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, on her 51st birthday. In the social media post, Newsom referred to his wife as California’s “First Partner” rather than the traditional “First Lady.”
“Happy Birthday to the First Partner of California, the outstanding mother of our four incredible children, and the love of my life,” Newsom wrote on Thursday, sparking a wave of reactions across social media platforms.
Happy Birthday to the First Partner of California, the outstanding mother of our four incredible children, and the love of my life, @JenSiebelNewsom.
I hope your day is just as remarkable as the work that you’ve done for California’s women and kids.
Forever an honor to witness… pic.twitter.com/PwHw6rOg0v
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 19, 2025
The post quickly drew backlash, with women’s rights activist Riley Gaines being one of the more outspoken critics. “I can’t even fathom my husband unironically calling me his partner????” Gaines tweeted, capturing the sentiment of many who found the term jarring. Her post resonated with users who argued that Newsom’s choice of words veered into performative “wokeness.”
I can't even fathom my husband unironically calling me his partner ???? https://t.co/KzCrTPVbaW
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) June 20, 2025
“‘First Partner’ is grounds for an immediate divorce,” one user fumed on X, encapsulating the outrage of those who saw the phrase as an awkward departure from tradition. Another user piled on, questioning, “Have you ever considered marrying your ‘partner’ so that she’s your wife? The First Lady?” The sarcasm continued from another social media user, with a jab at Newsom’s selective word choice: “Shame on him, he forgot to call her the birthing person instead of mother.”
Some users went further, accusing Newsom of sidestepping “female terms” like “wife” out of a misguided attempt at gender neutrality. “Were you not sure about her gender and wanted to go gender neutral?” one commenter snarked. Another asked pointedly, “I’m so confused … why is it so wrong to use female terms? Are you that misogynistic?”
The controversy wasn’t one-sided, however. Jennifer Siebel Newsom has long embraced the “First Partner” title, which she adopted to promote inclusivity.
According to her bio on the governor’s official website, “Jennifer Siebel Newsom chose the title First Partner, as opposed to the traditional title of First Lady, to send a signal of inclusivity, recognizing that one day there will be a woman or LGBTQ+ Governor of California, and to elevate the importance of partnership and the need for, and benefits of, a caring, inclusive government.”
Yet, the backlash highlights a growing tension between Leftist ideals and traditional sensibilities. For many Americans, terms like “wife” and “First Lady” carry cultural weight, evoking pride in family roles. Newsom’s choice to use “First Partner” struck some as an unnecessary rebrand that prioritizes ideology over clarity.
This incident points to a larger issue for Newsom and other Democratic leaders: a perceived drift from the everyday concerns of ordinary Americans. By embracing language like “partner” over “wife,” Newsom risks coming across as disconnected from the values that resonate with a significant portion of the population.
For many, marriage is a deeply rooted institution, and terms like “wife” or “husband” are not just labels but cherished markers of commitment. Critics argue that Newsom’s focus on inclusivity can feel like an out-of-touch lecture to people who see no issue with traditional terms.
This disconnect extends beyond semantics. Democrats like Newsom often champion policies and rhetoric that appeal to urban, progressive voters, but they may alienate those in more conservative or moderate regions.
For example, Newsom’s push for sweeping environmental regulations or social equity programs, while earned praise from activists, have drawn ire from working-class Californians grappling with high taxes and rising costs. His handling of issues like homelessness and crime in cities like San Francisco has further fueled perceptions that he prioritizes abstract ideals over practical solutions.
The “First Partner” controversy, though seemingly trivial, taps into a deeper frustration: that leaders like Newsom are more attuned to elite, Leftist circles than to the everyday realities of their constituents.
When Americans hear “partner” instead of “wife,” some don’t hear inclusivity—they hear a politician signaling allegiance to a niche worldview. As Democrats navigate a polarized landscape, moments like these risk widening the gap with voters who crave authenticity over carefully curated language.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
