Newsom Faced Public Scrutiny Over Affair and Cocaine Allegations During San Francisco Mayoral Tenure

San Francisco, CA – Gavin Newsom, then Mayor of San Francisco, faced significant public and political scrutiny in 2007 following the revelation of an affair with a subordinate and subsequent accusations of cocaine use. These controversies unfolded during a critical period of his mayoralty, drawing widespread media attention and prompting public apologies and denials from Newsom.

The affair involved Ruby Rippey-Tourk, who served as Newsom's appointments secretary. The relationship, which occurred in late 2005 while Newsom was in the process of divorcing Kimberly Guilfoyle, came to light in February 2007. Alex Tourk, Rippey-Tourk's then-husband and Newsom's campaign manager, resigned after confronting the mayor about the affair. Newsom publicly acknowledged the infidelity, stating, "Everything you've heard and read is true. And I am deeply sorry about that." He added, "I've hurt someone I care deeply about, Alex Tourk, and that is something I have to live with." Rippey-Tourk reportedly disclosed the affair as part of a substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Shortly after the affair became public, Newsom also admitted to having a drinking problem and announced he would seek treatment. In June 2007, San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly publicly raised allegations of Newsom's cocaine use during a Board of Supervisors meeting. Daly questioned where Newsom received "substance abuse services" and their cost to the city.

Newsom categorically denied these accusations, calling them "absolutely not true" and "the cheapest of cheap shots." He stated, "I have never seen an elected official during a legislative session take this kind of a cheap shot." Despite his denials, the allegations added another layer of controversy to his already scrutinized personal life. The period marked a challenging time for Newsom's public image as he navigated both personal scandals and his duties as mayor.