Gallego denies misconduct allegations as scrutiny follows Swalwell resignation

Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego was pulled into a widening political fight after Rep. Anna Paulina Luna named him as the senator behind her cryptic post about “very disturbing” allegations. Luna said some of the claims were sexual in nature and others involved alleged campaign finance violations, but CBS News said it had not verified the allegations.

Gallego’s office pushed back hard. A spokesperson called the accusations “These are right wing conspiracy theories being parroted by a fringe far right member of Congress” and said Gallego had not been contacted by the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. Gallego also said earlier in the week that he had never engaged in sexual misconduct or other inappropriate behavior with staff or women outside his marriage.

The allegations surfaced as Gallego faced scrutiny over his response to the collapse of Eric Swalwell’s political standing. Gallego had initially defended the California Democrat, then withdrew his endorsement as pressure mounted from inside the party. Swalwell announced on April 12 that he would resign from Congress after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, and he suspended his California governor campaign on April 13.

The fallout around Swalwell was extensive. Politico reported that accusations from multiple women, including a former staffer who said Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice when she was too drunk to consent, helped trigger staff resignations and the loss of endorsements. High-profile Democrats including Adam Schiff, Alex Padilla and Nancy Pelosi pressed Swalwell to end his campaign. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office also opened a criminal investigation into allegations that Swalwell sexually assaulted a former staffer in a New York City hotel room in April 2024.

Gallego’s own remarks about Swalwell added another layer to the episode. He said he was aware of rumors that Swalwell was “flirty,” but later said he had never heard actual accusations of harassment or predatory behavior toward staff and that he “fell for the lies.” He later spoke emotionally about feeling betrayed by Swalwell and regretting that he had not recognized warning signs earlier.

The episode has sharpened a larger question for Democrats: whether leaders apply the same standards of conduct when allegations surface inside their own ranks. Swalwell’s rapid downfall showed how quickly a campaign can unravel under sexual misconduct claims. Gallego now faces the same demand for clarity, with Luna’s allegations still unverified and his denials now part of a political test that extends far beyond one senator.