The Senate Ethics Committee has dismissed a complaint filed against Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., that alleged the lawmaker committed sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. The probe was initiated by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., earlier this year, who cited "very disturbing" allegations against a sitting senator in the wake of the downfall of former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., a close associate of Gallego's.
In a letter to Gallego on Monday, the committee stated that after a nearly monthlong investigation, it did not find evidence to support Luna's claims. "Based on the investigation of the Committee, the Committee did not find evidence that your actions violated Federal law, Senate Rules, or related standards of conduct," the letter read.
Gallego responded by calling the accusations "right-wing conspiracies peddled by far-right activists like Anna Paulina Luna, the White House and their allies." He added, "I look forward to an apology from Rep. Luna for weaponizing the ethics process while refusing to investigate historic corruption that’s making life harder for families."
Luna, however, rejected Gallego's statements, asserting on X that the allegations were not conspiracy theories. "You’re a gross example of representation," she posted, adding, "Need I mention you leaving your pregnant wife during your campaign for Senate? There are plenty of people who know about your antics."
Gallego's relationship with Swalwell came under renewed scrutiny in light of the allegations. Gallego acknowledged that his close friendship with Swalwell "clouded my judgment" regarding rumors that had circulated about the former congressman for years. Swalwell resigned from the House after a report alleged he had sexually assaulted a former staffer.
Gallego has also faced recent attention regarding campaign spending, with a Politico report detailing thousands of dollars spent on luxury travel, Super Bowl tickets, and childcare. He defended these expenditures, stating, "With the rising costs of childcare and the burden it has on the budgets of American families, Democrats and Republicans in Congress and the White House alike regularly travel with their wives and children, as is permitted by the FEC."