Newsom’s grief and his mother’s choice shape his stance on end-of-life policy
In a Washington Post profile, Gov. Gavin Newsom recalls his mother Tessa’s decision to end her life after a cancer diagnosis in 2002, describing the voicemail she left and his presence at her death. The experience deepened his anger and grief and has informed his views on end‑of‑life issues and patient autonomy, influencing his political beliefs and his status as a potential presidential candidate.