Ruby Rippey, the former mistress of California Governor Gavin Newsom, has detailed the affair in a new Vanity Fair essay, including the advice she received from Kamala Harris.
Rippey worked as Newsom's secretary when he was San Francisco mayor.
She described how she would scan his calendar for openings and position herself to be noticed, leading to secret meetings at his penthouse, a North Beach bar, or a hotel in Los Angeles.
A representative for Newsom told TMZ that the governor acknowledged his role and apologized nearly two decades ago, adding that he has since focused on his family and serving Californians.
Rippey, who was married to Newsom's campaign manager Alex Tourk at the time, said the relationship was not about love but rather an intoxication fueled by power and being chosen.
She entered rehab in May 2006 and ended the affair, confessing to her husband in January 2007.
After the scandal broke, Harris, then San Francisco's district attorney, called Rippey. Rippey was broke and considering a memoir offer when Harris advised her to wait.
"I wouldn't say anything right now, Ruby. Just pause.
More time will give you better perspective," Harris allegedly said.
Rippey took the advice and remained largely silent. She now accepts responsibility for her choices but acknowledges Newsom held greater power in their working relationship.
Twenty years later, she is sober, remarried, and even attended Alex Tourk's wedding.
