Gavin Newsom's former aide Ruby Rippey has publicly shared her full account of their affair from over two decades ago, providing new details that complicate the California governor's own version of events. In a Vanity Fair essay titled How I Blew Up – Then Rebuilt – My Life, Rippey opens up about her struggles with alcoholism, substance abuse, and her relationship with Newsom while he was mayor of San Francisco.
Ruby Rippey's First-Hand Account of the Newsom Affair
Rippey, who served as Newsom's appointments secretary and was married to his deputy chief of staff, Alex Tourk, describes the affair as a deeply personal fracture. She writes, "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." Newsom, then single, admitted to the relationship in 2007, but Rippey's essay provides a more nuanced timeline and emotional context.
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How Does Rippey's Account Differ from Newsom's Memoir?
In his new memoir, Newsom characterizes the relationship as "the briefest of affairs" and claims he "came clean" to Tourk. Rippey counters that she was the one who initially revealed the truth, giving Newsom credit he "did not earn." This discrepancy is central to the renewed scrutiny of the scandal as Newsom eyes a 2028 White House run.
| Claim | Newsom's Version | Rippey's Version |
|---|---|---|
| Who confessed | Newsom told Alex Tourk | Rippey told Tourk first |
| Nature of affair | "Briefest of affairs" | Extended, emotionally fraught |
| Impact on Rippey | Not detailed | Led to rehab, career loss |
Key Takeaways from the Vanity Fair Essay
- Rippey does not name Newsom directly in the essay, referring to him only as "my boss" and "the mayor."
- She details her struggle with alcoholism and how the affair exacerbated her condition before she eventually sought rehab.
- The essay reveals that Newsom's memoir glosses over Rippey's agency in confessing the affair.
- Political analysts expect the story to resurface as Newsom prepares for a potential presidential bid.
Implications for Newsom's Political Future
While the affair is decades old, the new details come at a pivotal moment. Newsom is in the final year of his second term as governor and is widely expected to run for president in 2028. The essay could energize opponents and revive questions about his character. However, supporters argue it's a personal matter from his past that has already been addressed.
FAQ
Who is Ruby Rippey?
Ruby Rippey was Gavin Newsom's appointments secretary during his tenure as mayor of San Francisco. She is also the ex-wife of his former deputy chief of staff, Alex Tourk.
What did Rippey reveal in her Vanity Fair essay?
She provided a detailed account of her extramarital affair with Newsom, her alcoholism, and her recovery. She also disputed Newsom's claim that he confessed the affair to her husband, stating she was the one who came forward.
Could this affect Newsom's 2028 presidential campaign?
Political observers say the renewed attention to the scandal may influence perceptions of Newsom's character, especially among swing voters, but it remains to be seen whether it will have a lasting impact on his candidacy.
The full essay, published in Vanity Fair, offers a raw and unflinching look at how a political scandal reshaped Rippey's life. As Newsom continues to ascend, this chapter serves as a reminder of the personal costs behind public ambition.
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