The affair involving California Governor Gavin Newsom is finally being brought to light, RadarOnline.com reports. It has been revealed that the governor had a secret relationship with Ruby Rippey, the wife of one of his key aides, from 2005 to 2006. Rippey is now speaking out about the scandal that threatened Newsom’s political career.
In an essay published by Vanity Fair on July 28, Rippey shared that she and her then-husband, Alex Tourk, were employed at San Francisco City Hall for Newsom’s predecessor before joining Newsom’s team. After Newsom’s victory in the 2003 mayoral race, Tourk became his deputy chief-of-staff while Rippey served as a commission secretary.
As Rippey and Newsom’s professional relationship grew, they, along with Tourk, attended a Mexican dinner in 2004. During the dinner, Newsom complimented Rippey on her appearance, noting her significant weight loss since pregnancy. This prompted Rippey to pay more attention to her work attire, opting for more form-fitting and attractive clothing.
The affair reportedly began over the Fourth of July weekend in 2005 during a Napa Valley wedding of a long-term City Hall staffer. Rippey described standing with staffers, drinking champagne and wine, feeling an unnameable restlessness. Rippey and Newsom later found themselves alone, flirting in a narrow hallway and while sitting by a hot tub. Tourk had left to care for their young son.
Rippey recalled being driven in Newsom’s town car to The Carneros Inn, where he began to massage her foot. She admitted to blacking out afterward.
The next morning, Rippey awoke beside Newsom, fully dressed and cold, with her dress soaked. She had passed out and wet the bed. Despite attempts to maintain professionalism at work, their behavior became noticeable to colleagues.
Rippey explained that the affair was not about love or romance but rather the allure of power and being noticed. “We meet, and we drink. There is s–, but it isn’t the point. The point is proximity – to power, to being chosen, to feeling newly visible,” she wrote. Rippey described feeling intoxicated by Newsom’s attention and recalled a passionate encounter where she tore his shirt off.
The relationship continued for several months until Rippey’s substance abuse escalated, leading her to rehab in 2006. Her sister contacted Newsom, requesting he cease contact with Rippey, to which he allegedly responded, “God bless, God, bless.”
Tourk learned of the affair after Rippey emailed him post-rehab. The revelation led him to move out and resign as Newsom’s campaign re-election manager as the scandal unfolded publicly.
At a 2007 news conference, Newsom admitted to the affair, stating, “Everything you’ve heard and read is true.” At that time, he was dating Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who publicly blamed Rippey for the affair, describing her as a “culprit.”
Despite the controversy, Newsom was re-elected and later served two terms as lieutenant governor and governor of California. He is reportedly considering a presidential bid in 2028.
