California Gov. Gavin Newsom will be in Rock Hill Monday for his book tour
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat frequently mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential contender, will appear in Rock Hill on Monday to promote his new memoir.
Newsom is scheduled to speak at McGirt Auditorium on Monday at 6:30 p.m., according to the event listing. The appearance is billed as “An Evening with Governor Gavin Newsom” and will focus on his book, “Young Man in a Hurry.”
Newsom, a Democrat, has served as California’s governor since 2019. Before that, he was California’s lieutenant governor and previously mayor of San Francisco. He has emerged as one of the most visible Democratic governors in the country, often drawing national attention for his positions on issues including health care, climate policy, gun control, and taking aim at President Donald Trump.
While the event billed as an opportunity to promote his memoir, Newsom has seen as a top contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Book releases have long been a common step for potential presidential candidates building a national profile, and South Carolina traditionally holds the Democratic Party’s first presidential primary.
Newsom is term limited and will give up his seat as governor in 2027.
Politico dubbed the book event part of “Gavin Newsom’s red-state reading tour,” noting Newsom will also stop in Nashville and Atlanta. His political adviser told the outlet it was “quite intentional” that Newsom was kicking off his tour in red states before heading to New York and Los Angeles. Newsom last visited South Carolina in July for multi-stop “tour” with the state Democratic Party.
According to the event website, “Young Man in a Hurry” chronicles Newsom’s political career and personal life. The memoir covers his upbringing in San Francisco, his struggles with dyslexia and his rise in California politics. It also reflects on key moments from his time as mayor of San Francisco and governor of California.
“Filled with intimate family history and written with candor and remarkable personal insight, here is a deeply resilient California story of identity, belonging, and the defining moments that inspired a life in politics,” the description states.
The Rock Hill event will include a moderated conversation with the opportunity for audience members to ask questions. Admission requires a roughly $50 ticket and attendees will receive a copy of the book. Newsom will also visit Berkeley and Clarendon Counties on Monday, with location details released the day before.
Tickets for the Rock Hill appearance, hosted by Books-A-Million, are currently available through Eventbrite.
This story was originally published February 19, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
