Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego reportedly had sexual relationships with at least two House staffers, sources told The Post. The alleged encounters occurred during Gallego's decade representing Phoenix in the House, prior to his election to the Senate in 2024.
Sources familiar with the matter stated that both relationships were consensual and involved aides to Texas Democrats. One source indicated that Gallego admitted to one of the relationships, while a second person recently learned of the entanglements. A third source corroborated one of the relationships.
The relationships are described by one source as part of a broader pattern of "mistakes and missteps and judgment calls," highlighting the power dynamics inherent in an elected official dating congressional staffers, particularly when a significant age difference exists. One of the women involved was reportedly in her 20s at the time.
Gallego's office, along with the two House staffers in question, did not respond to requests for comment. It is believed the relationships took place while Gallego was unmarried.
Scrutiny Follows Swalwell's Resignation
The revelations come as Gallego, a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race, faces increased scrutiny following the April resignation of his former close friend in Congress, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). Swalwell resigned after multiple women alleged sexual harassment and assault against him. Gallego has previously denied any knowledge of Swalwell's alleged misconduct.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) had previously brought a complaint against Gallego before the Senate Ethics Committee, alleging campaign finance violations and sexual misconduct. The committee dismissed the complaint last month. Insiders suggested the committee may not have been aware of Gallego's relationships with staffers when reviewing Luna's allegations.
Luna, however, has continued to make claims on social media, alleging Gallego has made inappropriate advances, comments, and touching towards multiple women. Gallego responded to the dismissal of Luna's complaint by calling the allegations "right-wing conspiracies" and demanding an apology.
Congressional Ethics and Relationships
Congressional rules generally permit relationships between lawmakers and staffers of their colleagues, provided there are no allegations of harassment. However, there is an ongoing discussion about potentially banning such relationships outright, particularly in the wake of the Swalwell controversy.
Instances of relationships between members of Congress and individuals in congressional offices have previously come under ethical review. For example, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), another associate of Gallego and Swalwell, admitted to cheating on his wife after reports emerged of his involvement with a Swalwell aide.
Sources suggest that if the Ethics Committee were to open an investigation into Gallego, a key question would be his disclosure of any relationships with staff members during his tenure in Congress.
Personal and Campaign Finances
Beyond these allegations, Gallego is also reportedly under investigation by the Justice Department for alleged misuse of campaign funds. The probe reportedly involves his attendance at the 2023 Super Bowl and vacations to St. Barts, Disney World, and Disneyland. Gallego has asserted that the Trump administration's Justice Department was politically targeting him.
Despite these controversies, some Democratic insiders believe Gallego still harbors presidential ambitions, though they express concern about his current trajectory and behavior.