Gallego Reacts to Swalwell’s Resignation Amid Misconduct Allegations

On Tuesday, Arizona Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego was questioned by a reporter regarding the sexual misconduct allegations against former Democratic California Representative Eric Swalwell.

Swalwell announced his resignation from the Legislature on Monday, just a day after launching his gubernatorial campaign, following public allegations from multiple women, including two former staffers who accused him of assault. Gallego, who chaired Swalwell’s unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2020, faced inquiries about Swalwell’s claims as a “close friend” and his initial defense of the allegations.

“We knew each other like no other. My family and his family couldn’t be closer; our kids even went to baseball camps together,” Gallego shared with reporters. “We had family dinners and everything. But, you know, when rumors started circulating a few weeks ago—not from the San Francisco Chronicle or anything—I asked him about it, and he lied to me.”

Gallego expressed to reporters that Swalwell had manipulated him using their personal relationship, making him feel compelled to defend him.

In response to a reporter’s question about why he was unaware of the allegations while being Swalwell’s campaign chairman, Gallego noted their travels to Qatar together in 2021, where they were photographed on camels.

“This man was living a double life. He lied to us, he lied to his family, and he lied to the voters,” Gallego stated. “He held several trusted positions before running for office. It’s hard to believe someone like this could achieve that when living a double life. Once again, I was manipulated and deceived, along with everyone else.”

Gallego also mentioned that he would be willing to release text messages and other materials if they were requested through a subpoena in the ongoing legal matters.