Former San Francisco mayor and current California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former aide Ruby Rippey publishes a new account of a relationship in a Vanity Fair essay released Tuesday. Multiple outlets report that Rippey, who worked as Newsom’s appointments secretary when he was mayor of San Francisco, describes an affair that took place more than two decades ago and became known at the time, reportedly creating political fallout in San Francisco.
Several sources say Rippey’s essay also revisits her personal circumstances during the period, including struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse. They further note that Rippey was married during the relationship—at the time, to Newsom’s campaign staff—specifically tying her marital status to his campaign and administration roles.
The Guardian reports that Rippey’s new account appears to contradict Newsom’s prior depiction of the affair, though details of the disagreement are not fully outlined in the provided excerpts. The reports collectively frame the essay as a renewed public discussion of a long-ago relationship as Newsom faces renewed political scrutiny and possible future ambitions.
