Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, recently opened up about a tragic family accident that happened four decades ago. A few days before her 7th birthday, during a family vacation in Hawaii, she unintentionally caused the death of her older sister, Stacey.
The incident occurred when the young Jennifer, engrossed in a playful golf cart ride with other children, accidentally backed her cart over her sister, unaware that Stacey was hiding behind it. This incident, undeniably traumatic, greatly shaped Siebel Newsom’s life and her subsequent pursuits.
As she disclosed to the Los Angeles Times, the heartbreaking event spurred her to push herself academically, artistically, and athletically. She aimed to fill the void left by her sister, feeling the urge to excel twice as much, in an attempt to lessen the grief for her parents.
A Stanford University alumnus, Siebel Newsom not only played soccer but also earned an MBA. Reflecting on her drive and accomplishments, she recognized the potential impact of survivor’s guilt on her path, prompting her to strive for improving other’s lives.
The 48-year-old Siebel Newsom, often in the limelight due to her high-profile husband, was recently back in the headlines when she testified against Hollywood heavyweight Harvey Weinstein in court. She accused Weinstein of assaulting her in 2005, back when she was an aspiring actress. Despite the jury deadlocking over her allegations, Siebel Newsom’s courage to take the stand was commendable.
In addition to her role as California’s “first partner”, Siebel Newsom also holds a reputable career as a documentary filmmaker. Her recent work includes “Fair Play” (2022), a film examining gender imbalances in the home, which is a reflection of her keen interest in societal issues.
Interestingly, Gov. Newsom has been increasingly visible on national media, hinting at potential higher political aspirations. This, coupled with Jennifer’s candid interview, might feed into speculations of him eyeing a presidential bid in 2024. Regardless of political leanings, the story of the Newsom family, with its layers of personal tragedy and resilience, offers an intriguing glance into the more human side of public figures.
