California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s political action committee spent more than $1.5 million purchasing and distributing copies of his memoir as part of a fundraising effort tied to its release earlier this year, as reported by Mediaite.

According to a report first published by The New York Times, Newsom’s PAC, the Campaign for Democracy Committee, spent $1,561,875 to acquire and deliver approximately 67,000 copies of his book, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery.

The purchases were made through Porchlight Book Company and listed by the PAC as “books at cost,” marking the largest single expenditure recorded by the committee so far this year.

The distribution effort began in November, several months before the book’s official release in February.

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Supporters were offered a free copy of the memoir in exchange for making a donation to the PAC.

“Make a contribution of ANY AMOUNT today and I will send you a copy,” read an email sent as part of the campaign.

BREAKING: Gavin Newsom’s PAC used $1.5 million to buy 67,000 copies of HIS OWN BOOK. Total book sales were around 97,400. His PAC’s purchase accounts for about two-thirds of all sold copies pic.twitter.com/mnBaHl7ZFf

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 17, 2026

The strategy accounted for a significant portion of the book’s overall sales.

Of the 97,400 copies sold since its release, roughly two-thirds were tied to the PAC’s bulk purchase and distribution program, according to the report.

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A spokesperson for Newsom told The New York Times the initiative was intended to strengthen connections with supporters and expand engagement.

“We were thrilled with the response,” the spokesperson said.

“Our goal was to deepen the relationship between him and the millions of folks who have already expressed support for Governor Newsom’s work. And as it turns out, the tactic more than paid for itself.”

The spokesperson also said that the fundraising effort generated more money in donations than the PAC spent on purchasing the books.

He added that Newsom did not receive royalties from the copies distributed through the program.

Newsom’s team highlighted the book’s broader performance in a March press release, noting strong sales outside of bulk purchases.

The release included a state-by-state map and emphasized non-bulk sales figures.

“With more than 91,000 copies sold through organic, in-person and online, non-bulk purchases in the United States, the memoir surged on bestseller lists within hours,” the release stated.

The governor promoted Young Man in a Hurry through a book tour that included public appearances and speeches.

During one such event, a moment from his remarks circulated widely online.

In the clip, Newsom told an audience, “I’m like you. I’m no better than you. You know, I’m a 960 SAT guy.”

The exchange drew attention after being shared online in a shortened format. According to the report, the clip did not include his discussion of living with dyslexia or provide the full context of the event.

Fox News hosts and allies of President Donald Trump criticized the remarks, describing the clip as offensive, while Newsom’s office responded to the criticism.

The PAC’s use of funds to purchase and distribute the governor’s book highlights the intersection of political fundraising and promotional efforts tied to high-profile publications.

The Campaign for Democracy Committee continues to report its expenditures as part of standard financial disclosures.

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