Gavin Newsom hired defense attorney Abby Lowell.

Posted by Philip Teresi, Oct 16, 2026Checked Nov 2, 2026

Polygraph verdictTrue

Sources: 3 support3 context
Said: 1 time·
Confidence: 92%

Philip TeresiOct 16, 2026

Multiple reliable outlets report that Gavin Newsom retained defense attorney Abbe Lowell (spelled "Abby" in the claim, a minor spelling variant for the same person), and CBS reports Newsom publicly confirmed the hiring. The claim is faithful to the passage, which the post itself makes, and no source contradicts it.

What was said

… Federal agents knocked on the doors of friends and family members and former employees four months ago. Since then, Newsom has sought to take action. He hired a very prominent defense attorney, Abby Lowell, and he requested that the Department of Justice records be provided to his attorney. While he is seeking to go on the offense against the administration, the Department of Justice and officials representing the administration haven't said anything in four months. It's unusual, and it's led to a standoff. …

Philip Teresi · Oct 16, 2026· from the transcriptPost →

What we found

Supports. Politico reported in July 2026, citing two people familiar, that Newsom retained Abbe Lowell to represent him and his wife in a private capacity amid the DOJ probe.[1]

Supports. CBS News Sacramento reports Newsom publicly confirmed for the first time that he has retained Abbe Lowell, speaking at an unrelated news conference on July 21, 2026.[2]

Supports. The Hill's October 2026 follow-up states that Newsom hired the prominent defense attorney Abbe Lowell and requested DOJ records.[3]

Context. Washington Examiner, KCRA, and AOL/Yahoo coverage also report the hiring, with KCRA noting the governor and his wife retained Lowell in their personal capacities.[4][5][6]