As 2028 looms, Jennifer Siebel Newsom faces increased conservative attacks [View all]
Conservatives are unloading a barrage of attacks on Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wife — signaling an early start to a contentious and deeply personal race for president in the post-Trump era.
Presidential hopefuls’ spouses have long been a key part of bids for the White House, and they often try to humanize their partners. And while future first ladies have been scrutinized on the trail and in office — from Michelle Obama battling racial stereotypes of being described as an “angry Black woman” to coverage of Laura Bush’s teenage car accident that killed a friend — this era of polarized social media has only supercharged the spotlight on politicians’ partners, operatives and aides say.
“A first lady or any political spouse is, by definition, a supporting actor,” said Michael LaRosa, who served as former first lady Jill Biden’s top spokesperson and praised both Newsoms. “If they become the story, they risk no longer being a political asset to the candidate, … and their team risks losing its effectiveness to serve both of them.”
Two years removed from the presidential primaries, few would-be 2028ers’ spouses have faced as many attacks as Siebel Newsom, a filmmaker and activist.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/06/jennifer-siebel-newsom-conservative-media-00907218
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