Former Aide Recalls Affair with Gavin Newsom: MSMN News

In a candid interview, Ruby Rippey, who had a romantic relationship with Gavin Newsom two decades ago, shared her experiences and the repercussions of their affair. Rippey, who was once an aide to Newsom during his tenure as the mayor of San Francisco, has largely remained quiet about the relationship until now.

Rippey described how the Affair began in the early 2000s, a time when Newsom was rising in political prominence. She recounted the thrill of working closely with the then-mayor, noting that their connection quickly turned personal. The relationship, however, was not without its challenges. Rippey spoke about the intense scrutiny that came with being involved with a public figure and how it affected her professionally and personally.

As their affair unfolded, Rippey found herself navigating the complexities of public life. She mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the media attention and the gossip that surrounded their relationship. This pressure led her to make significant changes in her life, including stepping away from the political scene.

In the interview, Rippey reflected on the lessons learned from her time with Newsom. She expressed a mixture of nostalgia and regret, acknowledging that while the relationship was passionate, it also came with a heavy cost. Rippey emphasized the importance of transparency in Politics, suggesting that public officials should be held accountable for their actions, especially when those actions affect others.

Rippey’s story sheds light on the personal challenges faced by those who find themselves in the orbit of powerful individuals. As she revisits her past, Rippey hopes to move forward and focus on her own life, away from the shadow of her former boss.

The revelations from Rippey come at a time when Newsom is still a prominent figure in California politics, currently serving as the governor of the state and eyeing a potential presidential run. As the political landscape evolves, Rippey’s experiences remind us of the human stories behind the headlines and the complexities of personal relationships in the public eye.

Source / Reference

Reporting by MSMN News, based on publicly available source material.

Source: NYT US

Reference link: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/28/us/gavin-newsom-ruby-rippey-affair.html