The fallout from accusations of sexual misconduct against Rep. Eric Swalwell may affect more than just him — as some are raising questions about his “best friend,” Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), and his staunch defense of the disgraced congressman.
Swalwell on Monday expressed his intention to resign from Congress in the coming days, following damning allegations that he raped and sent nude pictures to younger women, including staffers. Swalwell had been facing an investigation by the House Ethics Committee prior to his resignation.
Gallego, whom Swalwell once described as “my best friend in the world,” leapt to Swalwell’s defense as disturbing rumors circulated that the East Bay congressman had sexually harassed staffers and asked them to sign NDAs.
“When you are in first place, is when they target you. Eric is a fighter and he will win the Governors race,” Gallego insisted last Tuesday.
As Democratic influencers spread allegations that a shocking story about Swalwell was about to drop, Gallego cast doubt on their claims.
On Friday, after a San Francisco Chronicle reported that Swalwell had sexually assaulted a former staffer while drunk, Gallego made an abrupt U-turn and rescinded his endorsement.
“I regret having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information. I am equally as shocked and upset about what has transpired,” said Gallego, who has been floated as a potential 2028 contender for the White House.
The Arizona senator was torched for his sudden about-face about his pal Swalwell.
The two have had close political and personal ties: Gallego chaired Swalwell’s 2020 presidential bid and the two held campaign events together. Swalwell reportedly attended Gallego’s wedding in Puerto Rico in 2021, and the two were heavily criticized for accepting a $85,000 trip to Doha, Qatar, posing shirtless together while riding on camels.
The Arizona Democrat allegedly spent $13,000 in campaign funds on FindRaiser, an AI startup launched by Swalwell. Swalwell’s pitching of his startup to congressional members have brought up conflict-of-interest concerns.
Gallego also gave $8,000 to Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign, campaign finance records show. He was also chairman for Swalwell’s 2020 presidential campaign.
“An important question everyone should be asking: what did Senator Ruben Gallego know and when did he know it?,” wrote Democratic influencer Yashar Ali on X.
“The idea that Ruben Gallego didn’t know this was going on is ridiculous,” added Republican operative Matt Whitlock.
Gallego issued a statement Monday afternoon denying he had any knowledge of Swalwell’s actions.
“I want to be clear: I had no knowledge of the allegations of assault, harassment, and predatory behavior against Eric Swalwell. I trusted someone who I believed was a friend, but it is now clear that he is not the person I thought I knew,” Gallego claimed on X.
The public is now scrutinizing Gallego’s own history with women. He reportedly served divorce papers to his pregnant ex-wife and later got into a relationship with his current wife Sydney Barron, who was 25 when they met. Swalwell attended their wedding.
Swalwell continues to insist the allegations are “false.”
The California Post reached out to Gallego for comment.
