Gavin Newsom Quotes

I have 15 years of executive experience as a big-city mayor and as a governor.

I've been mayor of the city of Jerusalem, which is perhaps, in some ways, more complex and more difficult than a ministerial position.

Being the mayor of the third largest city in the country, that's humbling, but it also gives me incredible hope.

Being mayor of New York was a crisis a week and an emergency every other day.

I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities.

I would like to run for the mayor of the city of Chicago. That has always been an aspiration of mine even when I was in the House of Representatives.

My father was in Congress when I was born. He was mayor my whole life from when I was in grade school - first grade - to when I went away to college.

Once you've been a mayor, you look to try to get things done.

I've done eight years as mayor of London. I enjoyed it hugely; it was a massive privilege.

I think of being the mayor of a big city with so many incredible things happening - but also so many challenges and opportunities - as really being kind of the chief advocate for the people.

I'm intrigued by being in public office.

I would not run for president. I really like what I'm doing now. People say I'm giving them energy and hope.

I think we need politicians; we need people who want to serve.

Running for office was definitely something I've thought about. When I was younger, I wanted to major in political science. And I've been engaged in current events since I was a kid. If I can make a difference and feel passionately and capable, then I would. Why not?

At the moment I am a little bit politician, yes. I think that could be my next step. It is not because I want power, it is because of what I think I could do for the people.

I always tell people this: to be a savvy politician or a good head of state and to be charitable are not mutually exclusive things.

When you're out of office, you can be a statesman.

Right away when I got to college, I realized that being a politician sucks. It's really hard! It wasn't for me. B.J. Novak is convinced that I will run for mayor of Chicago at some point. He begs me to do it. It'd be a tough gig, but I was always very attracted to the idea of helping people and trying to make the city a better place.

My brother is the former mayor of Baltimore.

I was in elective politics for 24 years. I've made four national races, two for President, two for Vice President. I have found there are other ways to serve, and I'm enjoying them.

I never doubted that I would be a good mayor. I never did.

Say what you will about him Ed Koch is still the best show in town.

Whenever people say, 'You should be president,' I say, 'I thought you liked me.' Listen, I thought being mayor of Stamford was a wonderful job. Being governor of a state for a period of time is a wonderful job, and I'm not sure I'm at all attracted to Washington.

The best, most interesting years of my life were spent in government and politics.

I’m the first to say that I’ve no idea what I’m doing. There is no manual here for how to be mayor.