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Ethics Panel Clears Gallego
The Senate Ethics Committee dismissed a complaint against Democratic Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, with the panel telling him it did not find evidence that his actions violated federal law, Senate rules or related standards of conduct.
“The Committee did not find evidence that your actions violated Federal law, Senate Rules, or related standards of conduct”
The complaint was filed by Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who accused Gallego of “campaign finance violations” and “inappropriate sexual conduct,” according to a letter described by KJZZ.
In the committee’s letter, members wrote, “The Committee did not find evidence that your actions violated Federal law, Senate Rules, or related standards of conduct,” and Gallego said the dismissal “reaffirms what I have said about these accusations from the beginning.”
Gallego’s office said the committee’s probe included reviewing campaign and congressional office expenditure reports, and the panel said it “retains the authority to revisit this matter should additional facts become known to it,” as NBC News reported.
Luna Denounces, Gallego Denies
Luna responded to the dismissal without apologizing, posting on X that “These are not conspiracy theories. You’re a gross example of representation,” and she added, “Need I mention you leaving your pregnant wife during your Campaign for Senate?”
Gallego, in turn, said the accusations were “right-wing conspiracies peddled by far-right activists like Anna Paulina Luna, the White House, and their allies,” and he said he looked forward to an apology from Luna.
The dispute unfolded after Luna had accused Gallego in April, and CBS News reported that Luna told reporters there was “a woman that allegedly is coming forward with attorneys” to discuss an incident she described as “sexual in nature, allegedly.”
NBC News reported that Luna’s allegations followed news coverage of then-Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and that the Senate Ethics Committee said it considered statements offered by individuals identified in the complaint, along with Federal Election Commission reports and House and Senate expenditure reports.
What Comes Next
Even after the ethics dismissal, the sources describe continuing scrutiny of Gallego’s political spending and legal posture, including that the committee “retains the authority to revisit this matter should additional facts become known to it,” as NBC News reported.
“retains the authority to revisit this matter should additional facts become known to it”
KJZZ also said it was “not clear whether those expenditures” tied to Gallego’s use of campaign funds for “family trips, Super Bowl tickets and child care” were subject to investigation, while noting the committee conducted an investigation and said Gallego cooperated fully.
Beyond the Gallego case, KJZZ reported that the Arizona Supreme Court upheld an anti-dark money law approved by voters, while giving critics “one last opportunity” to argue the measure violates free speech protections.
KJZZ further said the U.S. Agriculture Department reported Arizona’s error rate for food stamp applications was 10.8%, higher than the national rate of 10.6%, and that ACLU spending included Arizona where the group said the risk of election interference and voter disenfranchisement is high.
