California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, have retained top Washington litigator Abbe Lowell to represent them as an escalating federal investigation continues. Newsom announced in June that he and his wife were subjects of an ongoing investigation, which he characterized as politically motivated and an attempt to derail his potential 2028 presidential ambitions.
Lowell, a litigator with decades of experience, has represented numerous high-profile clients, including individuals involved in cases related to the Trump administration. His client list has included former national security adviser John Bolton, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, and former CNN journalist Don Lemon. Lowell also represented Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, and DHS whistleblower Miles Taylor.
The exact nature of the Justice Department's investigation into the Newsoms remains unclear. A person with knowledge of the probe previously told the Daily Mail that multiple federal investigations are underway concerning the governor. The Justice Department has not publicly commented on the matter. However, the investigation is believed to have originated from whistleblower complaints concerning potential tax issues related to Jennifer Siebel Newsom's nonprofits.
Governor Newsom has consistently criticized the investigation, referring to it as a 'witch hunt' intended to impede his political career. He has stated that he believes he is being targeted due to his potential presidential aspirations, viewing himself as the latest in a series of political opponents of former President Donald Trump facing prosecution.
Lowell, who established his own firm in 2025, has built a reputation for representing prominent political figures. His involvement with the Newsoms comes as the investigation, which Newsom has labeled a politically motivated effort, appears to be intensifying behind the scenes. Neither Governor Newsom nor Lowell's office has provided immediate comment on the ongoing investigation.