Ruby Rippey Shares New Details on Newsom Affair
Sandego.net – Ruby Rippey, a former Newsom staffer, has opened up about a romantic relationship that began over two decades ago. Her candid reflections appeared in a Tuesday essay for Vanity Fair, offering fresh perspective on how California Governor Gavin Newsom has characterized the episode. During his time as San Francisco mayor, Newsom publicly acknowledged in 2007 that he had been involved with Rippey, who worked as his appointments secretary and was married to Alex Tourk, the campaign manager for his political efforts.
For years, Rippey kept quiet as Newsom rose through the political ranks and emerged as a potential 2028 presidential contender. In her latest public statement, she challenges Newsom’s depiction of their relationship and its aftermath in a memoir released earlier this year. He described the connection as “the briefest of affairs” and noted that he eventually informed Tourk, someone he considered a close friend, about the situation.
“That detail—subtle but significant—is the one that stays with me,” Rippey wrote. “It reads—to me, at least—as a version of events that gives him credit for something I had already done.”
Political Fallout and Public Response
At the time of the affair, Newsom had already begun divorce proceedings from his wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality. The relationship with his subordinate represented one of the earliest challenges to his political career. Following a confrontation with Newsom, Tourk stepped down from his position. The governor subsequently held a press conference where he stated, “Everything you’ve read is true and I’m deeply sorry for that.” Despite the controversy, he secured reelection later that year with more than seventy-three percent of the vote.
Newsom’s communications team addressed Rippey’s essay with a formal statement. Spokesperson Izzy Gardon noted that “The Governor acknowledged his role and publicly apologized nearly two decades ago when he was still mayor.” Gardon added that since then, Newsom has “met his wife, started a family, and has focused on serving Californians.” She emphasized that he “addressed this chapter of his life, including in his memoir, and out of respect for everyone involved, does not have anything further to add.”
Personal Reflections and Power Dynamics
Rippey’s essay traces the beginning of her relationship with Newsom to the summer of 2005. She connected this period to a time when she was dealing with alcohol addiction. While acknowledging her own responsibility for her actions, she pointed out that the #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017, helped her recognize the unequal power dynamic between them.
“Both things are true: I am responsible for what I did. Power does not distribute consequences evenly,” Rippey, now sober, wrote. “For my former boss, it is a footnote in a longer arc of ascent. For me, it is the fracture that split my life into before and after.”
She revealed that she contemplated going public about the affair but was approached about writing her own memoir. Kamala Harris, who served as San Francisco’s district attorney at the time, offered her valuable guidance. “I wouldn’t say anything right now, Ruby. Just pause. More time will give you better perspective,” Harris reportedly told her. CNN has contacted a representative for Harris to request comment on the matter.
As Newsom considers a potential White House run in 2028, his personal history may face increased examination. The governor, who has since wed Jennifer Siebel Newsom, has been transparent about his interest in national politics. He has encouraged fellow Democrats to confront President Donald Trump more assertively and “fight fire with fire” in their political approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ruby Rippey? Ruby Rippey is a former Newsom staffer who worked as an appointments secretary for Gavin Newsom during his tenure as San Francisco mayor. She was also married to Alex Tourk, who served as campaign manager for Newsom’s political efforts.
When did the affair between Rippey and Newsom occur? The relationship began in the summer of 2005, when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco and had already initiated divorce proceedings from his wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle.
How has Newsom responded to Rippey’s recent essay? Through his communications team, Newsom’s spokesperson Izzy Gardon stated that the Governor acknowledged his role and publicly apologized nearly two decades ago. She noted that Newsom addressed this chapter in his memoir and does not have anything further to add.
What guidance did Kamala Harris offer Rippey? At the time, Harris served as San Francisco’s district attorney. She reportedly advised Rippey to wait before going public, saying, “I wouldn’t say anything right now, Ruby. Just pause. More time will give you better perspective.”
