Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat representing Arizona, is under federal investigation for alleged campaign finance violations, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to ABC News. The investigation's specifics were not immediately detailed, but reports suggest it may involve the use of campaign funds for personal travel and childcare.
According to multiple reports, Gallego is accused of using campaign money to fund trips for his family to destinations including the Caribbean, Miami, Nantucket, and Puerto Rico. Allegations also state that campaign funds were used to cover childcare expenses. The Federal Election Commission permits campaign funds to be used for childcare costs directly resulting from campaign activities.
This federal probe emerges shortly after the Senate Ethics Committee concluded its own inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. A letter released by Gallego's office indicated that the committee found no evidence of Gallego violating Senate rules or applicable law in that matter.
A spokesperson for Senator Gallego commented on the federal investigation, stating to Axios that the timing of the probe, immediately following the Senate Ethics Committee's clearance of Gallego from what they termed "right-wing smears," was unsurprising. ABC News has sought comment from Gallego's office regarding the federal investigation, and the Department of Justice has not yet issued a statement on the probe.