The fallout from accusations of sexual misconduct in opposition to Rep. Eric Swalwell might have an effect on extra than simply him — as some are elevating questions on his “finest pal,” Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), and his staunch protection of the disgraced congressman.
Swalwell on Monday expressed his intention to resign from Congress within the coming days, following damning allegations that he raped and despatched nude footage to youthful girls, together with staffers. Swalwell had been going through an investigation by the Home Ethics Committee previous to his resignation.
Gallego, whom Swalwell as soon as described as “my finest pal on the earth,” leapt to Swalwell’s protection as disturbing rumors circulated that the East Bay congressman had sexually harassed staffers and requested them to signal NDAs.
“If you find yourself in first place, is once they goal you. Eric is a fighter and he’ll win the Governors race,” Gallego insisted final Tuesday.
As Democratic influencers unfold allegations {that a} stunning story about Swalwell was about to drop, Gallego solid doubt on their claims.
On Friday, after a San Francisco Chronicle reported that Swalwell had sexually assaulted a former staffer whereas drunk, Gallego made an abrupt U-turn and rescinded his endorsement.
“I remorse having come to his protection on social media previous to understanding all the knowledge. I’m equally as shocked and upset about what has transpired,” stated Gallego, who has been floated as a possible 2028 contender for the White Home.
The Arizona senator was torched for his sudden about-face about his pal Swalwell.
The 2 have had shut political and private ties: Gallego chaired Swalwell’s 2020 presidential bid and the 2 held marketing campaign occasions collectively. Swalwell reportedly attended Gallego’s wedding ceremony in Puerto Rico in 2021, and the 2 have been closely criticized for accepting a $85,000 journey to Doha, Qatar, posing shirtless collectively whereas driving on camels.
The Arizona Democrat allegedly spent $13,000 in marketing campaign funds on FindRaiser, an AI startup launched by Swalwell. Swalwell’s pitching of his startup to congressional members have introduced up conflict-of-interest issues.
Gallego additionally gave $8,000 to Swalwell’s gubernatorial marketing campaign, marketing campaign finance information present. He was additionally chairman for Swalwell’s 2020 presidential marketing campaign.
“An essential query everybody must be asking: what did Senator Ruben Gallego know and when did he comprehend it?,” wrote Democratic influencer Yashar Ali on X.
“The concept that Ruben Gallego didn’t know this was happening is ridiculous,” added Republican operative Matt Whitlock.
The general public is now scrutinizing Gallego’s personal historical past with girls. He reportedly served divorce papers to his pregnant ex-wife and later received right into a relationship along with his present spouse Sydney Barron, who was 25 once they met. Swalwell attended their wedding ceremony.
Swalwell continues to insist the allegations are “false.”
The California Put up reached out to Gallego for remark.
