Gavin Newsom's 2007 Affair with Campaign Manager's Wife Recalled by Satirical Social Media Post

A satirical social media post by Mark Fabela has drawn renewed attention to California Governor Gavin Newsom's 2007 affair, which occurred during his tenure as Mayor of San Francisco. The tweet, referencing a fabricated biblical verse, stated: > “Newsom 69:69: “Thou shalt not sleep with thy campaign manager’s wife.” This post brings back into focus a significant event from Newsom's early political career.

The affair involved Newsom and Ruby Rippey-Tourk, who served as his appointments secretary and was married to Alex Tourk, Newsom's close friend and campaign manager. The relationship reportedly took place in late 2005 while Newsom was undergoing a divorce. Alex Tourk resigned from Newsom's re-election campaign in January 2007 after his wife disclosed the affair, reportedly as part of a substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Following Tourk's resignation, Newsom publicly admitted to the affair on February 1, 2007, expressing deep regret. At a press conference, he stated: > "Everything you’ve heard and read is true, and I am deeply sorry about that. I’ve hurt someone I care deeply about, Alex Tourk, his friends and family, and that is something that I have to live with and something that I am deeply sorry for." He also apologized to the people of San Francisco, acknowledging a "personal lapse of judgment."

Years later, Ruby Rippey-Tourk, now known as Ruby Rippey-Gibney, addressed the affair in the context of the #MeToo movement. In a 2018 Facebook post, she clarified her stance: > "To be clear: I fully support the #metoo movement. In this particular instance, however, I am doubtful that it applies." She emphasized her agency, stating, "Yes, I was a subordinate but I was also a free-thinking, 33-year-old, adult married woman & mother. (Also happened to have an unfortunate inclination toward drinking-to-excess & self-destruction.)" She added, "I can’t blame anyone for my part in this ugly episode."

Despite the scandal, which some political observers believed could derail his career, Newsom was re-elected as San Francisco Mayor in 2007 and has since ascended to the governorship of California. The resurfacing of the affair, even through satirical means, underscores its enduring place in the public memory and its occasional re-evaluation in light of evolving societal discussions around power dynamics and workplace relationships.