You’ve seen the TikToks. You know the ones—heavy bass, slow-motion footage of California Governor Gavin Newsom adjusting his tie, and that unmistakable, slicked-back hair that looks like it hasn't moved since 1994. Then, the screen flashes to a grainy shot of Christian Bale in American Psycho.
It’s weird. It’s persistent. And honestly, the Gavin Newsom Patrick Bateman comparison has become one of the stickiest political memes of the decade.
But why? Is it just the hair gel? Or is there something deeper about our current obsession with "vibe-based" politics that makes this comparison feel so right to people on both sides of the aisle?
The Look: Precision, Pomade, and Power
Let’s start with the obvious. If you asked an AI—or a Hollywood casting director—to give you a "slick 80s corporate raider," they’d hand you a photo of Newsom.
Patrick Bateman, the fictional investment banker created by Bret Easton Ellis, is defined by his ritualistic devotion to appearance. We're talking about a guy who has a ten-step morning routine involving a water-activated gel cleanser and a honey almond body scrub. Newsom, while perhaps not quite that extreme, carries a level of polish that feels almost superhuman.
In a world of rumpled suits and politicians who look like they’ve slept in a bus station, Newsom is different. He is impeccably tailored. His hair is a structural marvel. People call him "Zaddy" on TikTok, but they also call him a "sociopath" in the same breath. It’s that uncanny valley of being too perfect that triggers the Bateman alarm in people’s brains.
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He’s even talked about it. On his podcast Politickin’, Newsom recently sat down with Marshawn Lynch and Doug Hendrickson. He admitted he’s seen the memes. He seemed genuinely confused, asking, "What does Zaddy mean?" He wasn't exactly thrilled about the Gavin Newsom Patrick Bateman parallels either.
"I don’t know how it’s a compliment that I’m so vampire or some American Psycho," he said. "That doesn't work for me."
The "Sigma" Aesthetic in 2026 Politics
Politics used to be about policy papers. Now? It’s about "edits."
There is a specific subculture online that idolizes the "Sigma Male"—a lone wolf figure who is disciplined, cold, and highly successful. Patrick Bateman is the unintended poster child for this movement. By extension, Newsom has been drafted into this aesthetic.
It’s a bizarre horseshoe theory of internet culture.
- Critics use the Bateman comparison to paint Newsom as a hollow, elite "empty suit" who cares more about his image than the people of California.
- Fans (and the "ironic" meme-posters) use it to make him look like a formidable, high-status "main character" who can out-troll Donald Trump.
Newsom has leaned into this "troll energy" lately. He’s been using Trump’s own social media tactics against him—all-caps tweets, aggressive memes, and snarky videos. This shift from "buttoned-up statesman" to "internet brawler" has only fueled the Bateman comparisons. It suggests a certain level of calculated, detached performance that mirrors Bateman’s own social masks.
Why the Comparison Actually Sticks
Beyond the surface, there’s a reason this meme won’t die. American Psycho was a satire of 1980s excess and the "yuppie" culture where everyone looked the same and nobody actually knew each other.
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When people look at Newsom, they see the ultimate "blue-state yuppie." He represents a version of California that is incredibly wealthy, tech-heavy, and aesthetically pleasing, even while the streets of San Francisco struggle with deep-seated issues like homelessness and the fentanyl crisis.
The contrast between Newsom’s "Dorsia-level" polish and the grit of the state he governs creates a natural friction. It’s that friction where the Gavin Newsom Patrick Bateman meme lives. It’s the idea of a man giving a perfectly delivered speech about the future while standing in a reality that feels increasingly chaotic.
Is It Fair?
Kinda. Sorta. Not really.
Look, Patrick Bateman is a literal serial killer who obsesses over business cards and kills people with an axe. Gavin Newsom is a career politician who cares about his brand. There’s a bit of a gap there.
But in the "attention economy," accuracy doesn't matter as much as "the vibe." Newsom’s public persona is built on being the smartest, best-dressed guy in the room. When you lean that hard into perfection, people are naturally going to look for the crack in the mask. Bateman is simply the most culturally resonant symbol we have for "the man behind the mask."
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that this meme is only used by his enemies. It’s not.
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In late 2024 and throughout 2025, a lot of younger Democrats started using the Bateman/Newsom edits as a way to say: "He’s our fighter." They want someone who looks like he could walk into a boardroom and take it over. They’re tired of "weak" optics. They want the guy with the slicked-back hair and the killer instinct—politically speaking.
What to Watch for Next
If you’re following the Newsom trajectory, keep an eye on these three things:
- Social Media Tone: Does he continue the "troll" persona, or does he pivot back to a more traditional, "statesman" look for a potential 2028 run?
- Policy vs. Image: Watch how his team handles optics around sensitive issues like the removal of homeless encampments. The "cold, efficient" look can quickly turn from a "Sigma" asset to a political liability.
- The Hair: Seriously. If he ever changes the hairstyle, the meme dies instantly. But he won't. It's his brand.
Ultimately, the Gavin Newsom Patrick Bateman comparison is less about the man himself and more about our collective obsession with how power looks in the 21st century. We want our leaders to be perfect, but we're terrified of what that perfection might be hiding.
Actionable Insight: If you're analyzing political trends, stop looking at poll numbers for a second and look at the "edit" culture on TikTok. The way a candidate is "vibed" by Gen Z often predicts their long-term cultural staying power better than a white paper ever will. Watch how Newsom navigates being a "meme-able" figure—it’s the new blueprint for national relevance.