Gavin Newsom Explains Why Teen Relationship Was Omitted From His Book

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has defended his decision not to detail a controversial relationship with a 19-year-old woman when he was nearly 40 in his forthcoming memoir, saying the pair “only went on a few dates.”

As reported by The New York Post, Newsom’s memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, is scheduled for release Feb. 24 by Penguin Press. The book recounts parts of the governor’s personal and political life, including high-profile relationships and a widely reported affair that surfaced during his tenure as mayor of San Francisco.

While the book addresses Newsom’s two-year affair with former staffer Ruby Rippey-Tourk, it does not include details about his later relationship with Brittanie Mountz, who was 19 at the time they were linked in 2006. Newsom was 39.

Here is a photo of Gavin Newsom before his first partner. Brittanie Mountz a model (not going to touch that one) she was 19 years old, he was 39. She was also seen drinking with him at an event. pic.twitter.com/IJXOQMOWq6

— Joey – Master of Wit and Sarcasm (@jjstyx) October 31, 2025

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In the memoir, Newsom describes the affair with Rippey-Tourk as “the worst betrayal of my life.”

The relationship began in 2005 while Newsom was in the process of divorcing his then-wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle, and while Rippey-Tourk was married to Alex Tourk, Newsom’s deputy chief of staff.

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The affair became public in 2007 after Alex Tourk resigned from City Hall. According to accounts at the time, Rippey-Tourk disclosed the relationship during a substance-abuse rehabilitation program, prompting the resignation and public fallout.

Newsom’s relationship with Mountz began roughly a year later and drew attention after the mayor appeared with her at the opening gala of the San Francisco Symphony’s 95th season.

At the time, Newsom was frequently referred to in local media as “Mayor McHottie,” and the age gap between the two sparked public scrutiny.

The attention surrounding the relationship included claims that Mountz altered her age on Myspace from 19 to 26. She was also accused of violating the law after being photographed holding a glass of wine at a premiere she attended with Newsom.

Newsom’s spokesman at the time said the mayor did not provide her with alcohol and “didn’t notice” whether she was drinking.

Asked by the New York Times why Mountz was not included in the memoir, Newsom said the relationship was brief and did not warrant inclusion.

The book also recounts other relationships, including Newsom’s claim that he ended a relationship with actress Sofia Milos — known for roles on The Sopranos and CSI — at the urging of oil magnate Gordon Getty.

Newsom writes that Getty told him Milos “wasn’t suited to him.” Getty later backed Newsom’s entry into the wine business, which helped make him a millionaire.

Newsom, 58, is serving his second and final term as governor, which ends in 2027. He is widely expected to seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2028.

In recent months, he has worked to rebrand himself as a leading Democratic figure willing to confront Donald Trump directly, with the memoir positioned as part of that broader effort.

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