Gavin Newsom faces flak for referring to wife Jennifer as ‘first partner’ in birthday tribute

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom is once again facing backlash online — this time for his choice of words in a birthday tribute to his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

While the message itself was warm and personal, the use of the term “first partner” rather than “first lady” reignited debate over what critics call Newsom’s “performative wokeness.”

Though the Newsoms have used the gender-neutral title since 2019, the timing of the post — and its juxtaposition of “partner” and “mother” in the same breath — struck a nerve with many who see the move as more about virtue signaling than inclusivity.

Gavin Newsom's birthday tribute to wife Jennifer

To celebrate Jennifer Siebel’s 51st birthday on Thursday, June 19, Gavin Newsom posted a heartfelt message, writing, “Happy Birthday to the First Partner of California, the outstanding mother of our four incredible children, and the love of my life, Jennifer Siebel Newsom."

"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 firsthand the amount of care, strength, and compassion you demonstrate every single day. Happy Birthday, Jen,” the Democrat added. 

While the sentiment itself was celebrated by some, many zeroed in on his use of the term “First Partner,” reigniting long-standing criticism that Newsom is too focused on political correctness at the expense of clarity or tradition. The irony wasn’t lost on critics, especially since the same sentence praised her as a “mother,” a gender-specific role.

Jennifer, for her part, has long championed causes for women and children. As a filmmaker, she’s tackled issues of gender in 'Miss Representation' and 'The Mask You Live In'.

Through initiatives like #EqualPayCA and the California Partners Project, she has pushed for gender equity, pay parity, and family-friendly policies.

Gavin Newsom's post for wife Jennifer's birthday reignites backlash over gender-neutral 'first partner' title

The backlash was swift as critics pounced on the governor's choice of the term “First Partner” in his birthday tribute to his wife.

Among the sharpest voices was women's rights activist Riley Gaines, who posted on X, “I can’t even fathom my husband unironically calling me his partner????”

Another tweet, "Do they really wonder why young men don’t even consider voting demon rat?"

One more remarked, "'First Partner' is about as purely performatively woke as calling homeless people 'unhoused.' It’s a completely meaningless substitution. Was there some kind of stigma associated with being First Lady? This is just running the euphemism treadmill for no discernible reason."

"No one else has said this so I’ll say it-I live in California, k. Follow along anons—he is playing the 50/50 card. He’s playing into the gender ideology and nonbinary terms that go along with the lefts agenda while simultaneously tooting law and order. He wants the democrat vote while also appealing to the moderates and politically homeless and hoping that’s enough to challenge Trumps base. This is a strategy to win the presidency in 2028. You’re welcome," an individual claimed.

"Can’t say Lady, huh. Your side is so utterly broken and against tradition that you just can’t say or write the word," one more tweeted. 

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