Gallego Disassociates from Swalwell Following Sexual Assault Allegations

A close associate of Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is distancing himself from the congressman amidst serious sexual assault allegations. Senator Ruben Gallego, a fellow Democrat from Arizona, stated he had no prior knowledge of any allegations regarding Swalwell. “Let me be clear: I had no knowledge of any allegations of assault, harassment, or predatory behavior against Eric Swalwell,” Gallego declared. He further emphasized that the women who have come forward deserve belief, support, and justice.

Gallego’s statement followed shortly before Swalwell resigned from Congress. Just after the San Francisco Chronicle published its alarming report, Gallego retracted his support for Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign, asserting that Swalwell was “no longer fit to serve” and endorsing efforts to expel him from the House.

This marks a swift change for Gallego, who previously hinted at making a presidential run in 2028 and had been referred to by Swalwell as his “best friend in the world.” The two have shared a friendship since Gallego’s time in the House. Notably, Gallego faced backlash in 2021 when a photo of him shirtless on a camel in Qatar emerged during a private trip. Just days before the allegations surfaced, he had defended Swalwell publicly.

Gallego commented on Twitter, noting that when you’re in a leading position, people will target you. “Eric is a fighter, and he will win the governor’s race,” he had said. Now, however, Gallego expressed feelings of betrayal, stating his belief that he had trusted someone who is not who he appeared to be. “I trusted someone I thought was a friend, but it’s now clear to me that he is not the person I thought I knew,” he remarked.

Swalwell himself announced his withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race, denying the allegations but acknowledging past mistakes. He resigned from the House on Monday night after the Chronicle report revealed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct from a former staff member and three other women.

The pressure for Swalwell’s immediate resignation was palpable among his colleagues, alongside an investigation by the House Ethics Committee and growing calls for his removal from Congress. Swalwell addressed the potential expulsion in a statement, arguing that it’s unjust to eject someone from Congress without due process, particularly within days of being accused. However, to avoid distracting his constituents from his duties, he decided to step down.