Newsom Scandal Resurfaces Amid Potential 2028 Presidential Run

As speculation intensifies over whether California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is positioning himself for a presidential bid in 2028, a long-dormant political scandal from his past is reemerging—reminding voters of questions about judgment, character, and temperament that once threatened to end his career.

The controversy dates back to 2007, when Newsom, then mayor of San Francisco, admitted to an extramarital affair with Ruby Rippey Gibney, the wife of his close friend and campaign manager, Alex Tourk. The revelation stunned the Bay Area’s political class, ruptured personal and professional relationships, and cast serious doubt on Newsom’s fitness for public office at the time.

Newsom addressed the matter publicly in a televised confession and apology.

“I want to make it clear that everything you’ve heard and read is true,” he said. “I am deeply sorry about that. I’ve hurt someone I care deeply about, Alex Tourk, and his friends and family. That is something I have to live with.”

He also acknowledged the broader breach of public trust.

“I’m also sorry that I’ve let the people of San Francisco down,” he said. “They expect a lot of their mayor… I am committed to restoring their trust and confidence and will work very hard in the upcoming months to make sure that the business of running the city is framed appropriately.”

The consequences were swift. Tourk, one of Newsom’s most trusted allies, resigned as chief of staff. Media coverage exploded, late-night comedians seized on the scandal, and political opponents questioned whether Newsom’s personal conduct reflected deeper flaws in leadership and responsibility. For many voters, the affair became emblematic of concerns about integrity and accountability.

Although Newsom ultimately survived the episode and continued his ascent—eventually becoming governor of California—the incident has never fully disappeared. Critics argue it remains a lingering liability, particularly if he seeks national office.

In the years since, the rise of the #MeToo movement has prompted renewed scrutiny of the relationship, especially given the power imbalance involved. Some have questioned whether the affair could now be viewed as workplace misconduct.

Gibney, however, has publicly defended Newsom. In a later Facebook post, she wrote, “To be clear, I fully support the Me Too movement. In this particular instance, however, I am doubtful that it applies.”

She acknowledged her subordinate role but emphasized that responsibility rested with her own decisions, seeking to deflect the most serious allegations against Newsom.

Even so, the episode routinely resurfaces whenever Newsom’s national profile grows. A polished speaker with deep-pocketed donors and strong media backing, he is widely viewed as a potential 2028 contender. Yet with that attention comes renewed focus on past controversies that critics say reveal a pattern of poor judgment.

Those concerns have been amplified by more recent behavior. Newsom drew sharp criticism after appearing to endorse physical violence against supporters of President Donald Trump during an angry podcast rant—remarks that many conservatives viewed as reckless and inflammatory.

The outburst came as Newsom fumed over Texas’ mid-decade redistricting effort, which is expected to yield five additional Republican congressional seats. The governor has vowed to retaliate by redrawing districts in California, despite Democrats already holding a disproportionate share of the state’s seats.

“This is radical rigging of a midterm election,” Newsom fumed. “Destroying, vandalizing this democracy, the rule of law,” he claimed on “The Siren” podcast.

“So, I’m sorry, I know some people’s sensibilities. I respect and appreciate that. But right now, with all due respect, we’re walking down a damn different path,” he continued. “We’re fighting fire with fire, and we’re gonna punch these sons of b****es in the mouth.”

As talk of a 2028 run grows louder, Newsom faces a familiar dilemma: sell his record to a national electorate while confronting unresolved questions about character, temperament, and respect for democratic norms—questions that have followed him for nearly two decades.