The highest-ranking woman in the House of Representatives is advocating for a strict policy against romantic or sexual relationships between members of Congress and congressional staff. The call comes after a report alleged Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., engaged in relationships with at least two aides who did not work directly for him.
Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., chairwoman of the House Republican Caucus, stated that such relationships fall short of public expectations for elected officials. "Congress should have a bright-line rule that Members should not have romantic or sexual relationships with congressional staff," McClain said. She emphasized that even consensual relationships can create an "inherent power imbalance" and an "appearance of impropriety," arguing the focus should be on protecting staff and maintaining institutional confidence.
McClain's remarks follow reporting by The Post detailing Gallego's alleged dalliances. Sources cited by The Post viewed these relationships as an abuse of power, given Gallego's influence over the aides' careers. In one instance, a significant age gap was also noted.
Gallego has reportedly dismissed the allegations as "gossip." His alleged conduct has drawn parallels to other recent controversies involving members of a group of House Democrats. Ex-Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., resigned in April following accusations of sexual harassment or assault from four women. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., also admitted to infidelity after being seen kissing an aide to Swalwell, and the House Ethics Committee is reportedly investigating other misconduct allegations against Gomez.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., criticized the repeated nature of these incidents, suggesting it indicates a broader culture issue within Congress. "At some point you stop calling it a coincidence and start calling it a culture," Mace said, referring to Gallego's response as a refusal to engage with "gossip" that is not merely gossip when multiple lawmakers from the same circle are involved in similar headlines.
Other Republican women have also voiced concerns and called for reforms. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., had previously referred Gallego to the Senate Ethics Committee over unspecified allegations, a complaint that was dismissed. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., chair of the Republican Women's Caucus, announced efforts to lead a bipartisan initiative to reform how Congress addresses sexual misconduct, aiming to close loopholes and ensure accountability.
In 2018, the House of Representatives adopted a policy prohibiting relationships between members and their own staff, a measure enacted during the #MeToo movement following several lawmaker resignations. However, that policy does not explicitly bar relationships with staff from other congressional offices, a gap that current calls for reform seek to address.