Gavin Newsom's affair with former aide Ruby Rippey is the subject of a new Vanity Fair essay where she shares her full account for the first time. The relationship, which occurred over two decades ago when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco, has resurfaced ahead of his expected 2028 presidential run.
Rippey's Detailed Account of the Affair
In the essay titled "How I Blew Up – Then Rebuilt – My Life", Rippey describes her struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse during her time as Newsom's appointments secretary. She recounts how the relationship began while she was married to his deputy chief of staff, Alex Tourk.
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Rippey does not refer to Newsom by name but calls him her "boss" and the "mayor". 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."
Contrasting Versions: Newsom's Memoir vs. Rippey's Essay
Newsom publicly admitted the affair in 2007 and described it in his memoir as "the briefest of affairs". He claims he came clean to Tourk, but Rippey's essay complicates that narrative. She asserts that she was the one who told her husband the truth, not Newsom.
| Aspect | Newsom's Account | Rippey's Account |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | "Briefest of affairs" | Significant relationship during her marriage |
| Who disclosed the affair | Newsom claims he told Tourk | Rippey says she was the one who revealed it |
| Impact on career | Minor footnote | Fractured her life and led to rehab |
Key Takeaways from the Essay
- Rippey details her struggles with alcohol and substance abuse before and after the affair.
- She challenges Newsom's version of events, particularly who informed her husband.
- The essay humanizes the scandal by focusing on the personal cost to Rippey.
- Newsom's political future may be affected as he eyes a White House bid in 2028.
FAQ
What did Ruby Rippey reveal about her affair with Gavin Newsom?
In a Vanity Fair essay, Rippey shares her full account of the affair, including her struggles with addiction and her belief that she, not Newsom, was the one who disclosed the relationship to her husband.
How does Newsom's memoir address the affair?
Newsom describes it as a brief affair and claims he came clean to her husband. Rippey's essay directly contradicts that claim.
Why is this story relevant now?
With Gavin Newsom widely expected to run for president in 2028, the renewed attention to the scandal could impact his campaign and public perception.
The essay serves as a powerful reminder of the personal toll behind political scandals. Rippey's journey from addiction to recovery highlights resilience, while the contrasting narratives between her and Newsom raise questions about accountability.
As Newsom continues to navigate his final year as California governor, this story is likely to follow him onto the national stage. Readers interested in the full details can find the essay in Vanity Fair.
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