Ruby Rippey’s Affair with Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris’ Role

In a recent piece published by Vanity Fair, Ruby Rippey recounted her affair with then-Mayor Gavin Newsom and the involvement of former Vice President Kamala Harris in advising her during the scandal. Rippey, who was married to Newsom’s campaign manager, Alex Tourk, worked as Newsom’s appointments secretary at the time. She revealed that Harris, then San Francisco District Attorney, advised her to remain silent and avoid public statements or book deals when the affair became public.

According to Rippey, Harris suggested, “I wouldn’t say anything right now, Ruby. Just pause. More time will give you better perspective.” This advice came at a crucial moment as Rippey dealt with the affair’s fallout. Rippey chronicled her struggles with alcoholism, the collapse of her marriage, and her path to sobriety in her essay. She also questioned the way Newsom’s team portrayed the affair in his memoir.

Rippey argued that Newsom’s book inaccurately claims he confessed to her husband, Alex Tourk. She had already confessed before, and when she confronted a Newsom advisor about this, he responded, “Well, we all remember things differently, don’t we, Ruby?” She described the relationship beginning at City Hall and included details of intimate encounters, painting a vivid picture of their interaction.

The affair became public after Rippey decided to email her husband, prompting him to confront Newsom and resign. Newsom addressed the scandal in a 2007 news conference, apologizing and announcing treatment for alcohol abuse.

The essay also explored the role of power dynamics. Rippey reflected on how these dynamics influenced her decisions, stating, “Power does not need to coerce. It only needs to exist.” She emphasized the influence of power, status, and visibility in her relationship with Newsom.

Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom’s and Harris’ teams for comments but did not receive immediate responses.

Madison Colombo is a writer for Fox News Digital’s Flash, Media, and Culture team, known for covering daily breaking news and trending topics with an award-winning background in broadcast and digital journalism.