Controversies
In 2004, Newsom gained national attention when he directed the San Francisco city-county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, in violation of the current state law. In August 2004, the Supreme Court of California annulled the marriages that Newsom had authorized, as they conflicted with state law at that time. Still, Newsom's unexpected move brought national attention to the issues of gay marriage and gay rights, solidifying political support for Newsom in San Francisco and in the gay community.
In January 2007, it was revealed that Newsom had had a romantic relationship in mid-2005 with Ruby Rippey-Tourk, the wife of his former deputy chief of staff and then campaign manager, Alex Tourk. Tourk filed for divorce shortly after the revelation and left Newsom's campaign and administration.
In 2009, Newsom came under attack for the City of San Francisco's policy of illegally harboring juvenile criminal undocumented immigrants. The city was circumventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement by harboring or sending the immigrants back to their own native countries. In 2010, Newsom was removed from the San Francisco County Democratic Central Committee. SFCDCC chairman Aaron Peskin said that he no longer resides in the city and therefore does not deserve a seat on the committee.
In 2012, Newsom drew criticism for his negative view of Sacramento, California, which is the state capital.
Read more about this topic: Gavin Newsom