Gavin Newsom provided insight into his tumultuous love life in his recently released memoir, but chose not to explore his relationship with model and former lacrosse player Brittany Mounts.
In this memoir, published on February 24th, he labeled his affair with staff member Ruby Rippy Tourak as “the biggest betrayal of my life.” This affair occurred during his divorce from Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2025, lasting two years and involving Tourak, who was married to his deputy chief of staff. The affair only came to light in 2007 when Alex Tourak resigned after discovering the relationship during his wife’s battle with alcoholism.
However, Newsom has opted to remain mum about his more contentious relationship with Mounts, who was 19 in 2006, just a year after the affair with Tourak ended.
At that time, the 39-year-old Newsom, nicknamed “Mayor McHotty” by local media, drew attention when he attended the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra’s 95th season opening gala with Mounts. This relationship sparked rumors that she had changed her age on Myspace from 19 to 26. Additionally, he faced allegations of legal violations after being photographed with a wine glass while with her.
A spokesperson clarified that Newsom didn’t serve her any drinks and was “not aware” of her alcohol consumption. When questioned by a news outlet, he simply stated, “We just went on a few dates,” emphasizing the lack of clarity in their relationship.
In the memoir, he also mentioned breaking up with actress Sofia Milos on the advice of oil magnate Gordon Getty, who suggested she wasn’t right for him. Getty played a significant role in Newsom’s success in the wine business, ultimately making him a billionaire.
As Newsom approaches the end of his second and final term as governor in 2027, the 58-year-old seems poised to run as the Democratic candidate in the upcoming 2028 presidential election. His memoir is part of a broader strategy to reshape his image as a disruptive force ready to challenge Donald Trump.
The memoir, titled “Youth in a Hurry,” is set to be published by Penguin Press on February 24th.
