Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, has chosen to adopt the title "first partner" rather than the traditional "first lady," signaling a shift away from conventional gender roles associated with the position. This move marks her as the first spouse of a California governor to publicly reject the customary designation, reflecting evolving perceptions of the role.
Historically, spouses of governors and presidents have had complex relationships with the "first lady" title. Many have accepted it while simultaneously challenging traditional expectations. When Arnold Schwarzenegger took office as California governor in 2003, his wife, Maria Shriver, left her career in network journalism reluctantly and initially resisted the role. During her tenure, Shriver made significant contributions, including revamping the state history museum, organizing the world’s largest Women’s Conference, and initiating programs to aid low-income working families during the recession. Despite her early hesitations, she later described her time as first lady as one of her most rewarding experiences.
Similarly, Anne Gust Brown, spouse of former California Governor Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown, preferred a low-profile role. A trained lawyer, she played a key role behind the scenes in her husband’s political career, including campaign management and speechwriting, but expressed discomfort with the "first lady" label, describing it as a title she struggled to embrace.
The role of the first lady at the national level has also been marked by ambivalence and evolving expectations. Martha Washington, the first presidential spouse, reportedly found her position restrictive, describing feelings of confinement while adapting to her new public duties. Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of President John F. Kennedy, famously rejected the "first lady" title, emphasizing her preference to be addressed as Mrs. Kennedy.
Over time, some first ladies have expanded the scope of the role. Eleanor Roosevelt, for example, was actively involved in public service and advocacy during and beyond her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, serving as his surrogate voice and a visible public figure despite facing intense scrutiny. Hillary Clinton’s involvement in policymaking during Bill Clinton’s administration similarly challenged traditional boundaries, drawing both attention and controversy, particularly around her efforts on health care reform and her public persona.
In more recent administrations, first ladies such as Laura Bush and Michelle Obama focused on less contentious issues, like literacy and nutrition, while Jill Biden broke new ground by continuing her teaching career while serving as first lady. Observers note that this evolution reflects broader social changes, including more women and LGBTQ+ individuals in political leadership and a growing acceptance of partners maintaining professional lives.
Experts caution, however, that adopting less traditional titles or roles may invite scrutiny. Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics, acknowledged that Siebel Newsom’s choice to identify as "first partner" could provoke criticism in the current political climate, potentially leaving her open to attacks as America navigates changing gender norms. Barbara A. Perry, governance professor at the University of Virginia, suggested that some segments of the public might associate such terminology with contemporary debates about gender identity, underscoring the delicate balance public figures face in redefining these ceremonial roles.
As the role of gubernatorial and presidential spouses continues to evolve, the move away from traditional titles may signify broader cultural shifts, even as it invites new challenges and public discourse.