Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., has defended expenditures from his political committees for travel to high-profile events, including the Super Bowl and trips to Miami, stating that such activities are necessary for raising campaign funds.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Gallego asserted that candidates must "go where the money is to raise money." This defense comes after reports detailed luxury travel, childcare, and event expenses paid through his political committees.
Federal Election Commission records indicate that Gallego used his leadership PAC for trips to Miami, Saint Barthélemy, Disneyland, Disney World, and Chicago. A source familiar with the spending told Politico that campaign funds were often used for family vacations, and donor money reportedly paid for babysitting services for his children.
Gallego also utilized a joint fundraising committee with former Rep. Eric Swalwell to fund tickets for himself and his wife to attend the 2023 Super Bowl. Gallego characterized this event, named the "Swallego Victory Fund," as a fundraiser held in Arizona, where he represents the state. "We threw a Super Bowl fundraiser in Arizona where we raised money for my election in 2023. That's what you do," Gallego stated.
The Super Bowl fundraiser took place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, shortly after Gallego announced his bid for the Arizona Senate. Invitations for the event, obtained by Politico, showed ticket prices at $5,000, with an additional $1,000 for a pre-game brunch. The event cost over $37,000, with both lawmakers reportedly receiving approximately $8,000 each before the joint committee was dissolved after the game. A spokesperson for Gallego told Politico that the tickets were purchased at fair market value and that hosting donors at sporting events is a common bipartisan practice, comparing it to fundraisers at golf tournaments or NASCAR events.
Regarding a trip to Miami that coincided with his wife's birthday, Gallego stated that the campaign raised about $50,000 through nine events held in Miami. Expenses for the trip to the Loews hotel on Miami Beach exceeded $9,000. A Gallego spokesperson informed Politico that the Senator and his wife attended "widely attended political events and fundraisers" during their Miami visit but did not provide specific details or address the birthday aspect of the trip.
Federal campaign finance law generally prohibits the conversion of campaign funds for personal use. However, FEC guidance permits campaign-related travel, meals at fundraising events, and childcare expenses directly resulting from campaign activities. Mixed-use travel may require reimbursement for the personal portion. Fox News Digital has not cited any FEC findings that Gallego's expenses violated campaign finance law.