Gallego’s Rising Star in the Democratic Party Tarnished by Ties to Swalwell

Sen. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.) has been held up as a model for the Democratic Party’s future since winning his Senate seat in 2024, with colleagues praising his skills as a communicator who succeeded during a time when other Democrats have struggled.

He has drawn consistent praise for his authenticity and for his ability to connect with voters — particularly Latinos, a key demographic Democrats have sought to win back in recent years. But this week, the junior senator from Arizona has faced questions that could taint his future political prospects — particularly if he decides to run for president in 2028.

The questions surround what he knew and when regarding the sexual assault allegations that caused Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) to resign his House seat and withdraw from the California gubernatorial race last week.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) this week also came out accusing Gallego of his own misconduct, something flatly denied by the Arizona senator.

Luna told CBS News’s “The Takeout with Major Garrett” that a woman was preparing to come forward with allegations “sexual in nature” against Gallego, as well as campaign finance violations. She also said Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s (R-S.D.) office told her the matter was under investigation, but she did not offer any evidence to back her statements.

A spokesperson for Gallego told reporters that the allegations were “right-wing conspiracy theories being parroted by a fringe far-right member of Congress.” The spokesperson also said Gallego had not received notification or been contacted by the Ethics Committee.

Luna told CBS News’s “The Takeout with Major Garrett” that a woman was preparing to come forward with allegations “sexual in nature” against Gallego, as well as campaign finance violations.

She also said Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s (R-S.D.) office told her the matter was under investigation, but she did not offer any evidence to back her statements.

A spokesperson for Gallego responded to press inquiries that the allegations were “right-wing conspiracy theories being parroted by a fringe far-right member of Congress.” The spokesperson also said Gallego had not received notification or been contacted by the Ethics Committee.

Thune’s office specifically told The Hill that anything received from Luna about the allegations has been referred to the Senate Ethics Committee but refused to comment any further.  

Gallego was close to Swalwell and earlier sought to get ahead of the firestorm by holding a press conference in his office Tuesday to express his disappointment in his former friend’s actions.

Speaking to reporters, Gallego said he too felt betrayed, saying that Swalwell “lied to all of us.”

“I fell for it,” the senator said. 

The White House, seemingly sensing weakness, has sought to put pressure on Democrats generally over the issue.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt this week called the allegations involving Swalwell “despicable and disgusting” and urged journalists to investigate how Democratic leaders and other lawmakers — including Gallego — knew about Swalwell’s actions.

“I think it’s also quite plausible … that there were many other Democrats in this town on Capitol Hill who knew about his perhaps illegal behavior — certainly his disgusting and inappropriate behavior. And why they were silent for so long? 

“I think those are questions that must be raised of the sitting representatives — including Mr. Gallego.”