Ruby Rippey, known for her affair with then-Mayor Gavin Newsom, shared her experience in Vanity Fair. The piece details the encounter and unveils the advisory role played by former Vice President Kamala Harris.
At the time of the scandal, Rippey was married to Alex Tourk, Newsom’s campaign manager. She worked as the mayor’s appointments secretary. When the affair became public, Harris, who was then the San Francisco District Attorney, privately advised Rippey to hold back before commenting or accepting book deals. Rippey recalls Harris’s words: ‘I wouldn’t say anything right now, Ruby. Just pause. More time will give you better perspective.’
The essay not only recounts the affair but also touches on Rippey’s struggle with alcoholism, her marriage’s breakdown, and her sobriety path. Rippey questions how Newsom’s memoir portrayed the affair, noting inaccuracies. She claims Newsom’s book falsely credits him with confessing to her husband, a revelation she had already made.
Rippey details how the affair began at City Hall, including meetings in a hot tub, hotel stays, and visits to Newsom’s penthouse. In one instance, she describes getting into a chauffeured car with Newsom, noting a foot massage he gave her during the ride. She recalls waking up with him and describes their relationship as driven by addiction and status. The focus wasn’t on the physical aspect, but on proximity to power and visibility. Newsom allegedly praised her appearance after her child’s birth, commenting on her weight loss.
Reflecting on the affair, Rippey later recognized the significance of the power imbalance, saying, ‘Power does not need to coerce. It only needs to exist.’ She confessed to her husband via email while he was working for Newsom, leading to Tourk’s confrontation and resignation. Newsom admitted the affair at a 2007 press conference and announced his intention to undergo alcohol abuse treatment.
Fox News Digital attempted to contact Newsom’s and Harris’s teams but did not receive immediate responses.
About the Author: Madison Colombo is part of Fox News Digital’s Flash, Media, and Culture team, focusing on breaking news and trending topics.
Venezuelan Authorities Release 131 Political Detainees 
The Complex Legacy of Jason Arday 
Shift in Democratic Party Raises Concerns for Former Sanders Supporter 
Karoline Leavitt’s Legacy: Transforming White House Media Access 
Trump’s Approach to Responsibility: A Deviation from Presidential Norms 
Tropical Storm Lala Threatens Hawaii with Hurricane Potential