The Senate Ethics Committee has officially dismissed a complaint filed against Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat representing Arizona. The complaint had alleged instances of sexual misconduct and violations related to campaign finance regulations.
The investigation was initiated following charges brought by Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, earlier this year. Luna had publicly stated there were "very disturbing" allegations against a sitting senator, drawing parallels to the recent scandal involving former Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat and a known associate of Senator Gallego.
Ethics Committee's Findings
After an inquiry spanning nearly a month, the committee communicated its decision to Senator Gallego in a letter on Monday, indicating a lack of evidence to substantiate Representative Luna's claims.
"We are writing to inform you that the Select Committee on Ethics (the Committee) dismissed a complaint filed against you by Representative Anna Paulina Luna," the panel's correspondence stated. "Specifically, the complaint alleged campaign finance violations and inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature."
The letter also noted that the committee had sought additional information from Representative Luna on April 17 and May 15. The committee concluded: "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."
Gallego Responds to Dismissal
In response to the committee's decision, Senator Gallego issued a statement asserting that the outcome "reaffirms what I have said about these accusations from the beginning: they were right-wing conspiracies peddled by far-right activists like Anna Paulina Luna, the White House and their allies."
He expressed anticipation for "an apology from Rep. Luna for weaponizing the ethics process while refusing to investigate historic corruption that’s making life harder for families." Gallego vowed to "continue fighting for Arizonans and holding Trump Republicans accountable for high costs and new wars."
Representative Luna Maintains Allegations
Despite Gallego's call for an apology, Representative Luna conveyed on X that such a gesture was improbable. She contended that the allegations "are not conspiracy theories. You’re a gross example of representation."
"Need I mention you leaving your pregnant wife during your campaign for Senate? There are plenty of people who know about your antics," Luna continued. She added, "The good news about D.C. is everyone talks, and eventually the reporters come forward with your texts." Concluding her remarks, Luna advised Gallego, "Do yourself a favor and keep raising for your legal defense fund. Once a creep, always a creep, and you’re gonna need it."
Broader Context and Previous Scrutiny
Representative Luna's accusations against Senator Gallego surfaced shortly after former Representative Swalwell's resignation from the House. This followed a significant report from The San Francisco Chronicle, which detailed allegations of sexual assault against a former staffer by the ex-lawmaker. Senator Gallego subsequently sought to distance himself from Swalwell, acknowledging that their close association had "clouded my judgment" regarding long-standing rumors about the former representative circulating in Washington, D.C.
Senator Gallego has also recently faced examination concerning a report by Politico. This report highlighted his expenditure of thousands of dollars in campaign funds on items such as luxury travel, tickets to the Super Bowl, and childcare expenses. Addressing these concerns, Gallego stated to the outlet, "This is not breaking news." He further clarified, "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."
