Since launching his Senate campaign in 2023, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) has consistently allocated campaign funds for child care and upscale family outings.
A report from Politico reveals insights gathered by reviewing the campaign’s financial records and speaking with anonymous sources.
The Arizona Democrat has used his leadership political action committee (PAC) to cover various recent trips with his family, including visits to Miami, Chicago, Disneyland, and Disney World.
Since 2019, Gallego has requested reimbursements from his PAC and primary campaign committee for over $18,000 in child care costs, which includes a $400 babysitting fee to his mother-in-law, according to Federal Election Commission documents.
Additionally, he attended the 2023 Super Bowl in Arizona with his wife, Sidney, through a joint campaign account with former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), as reported.
According to Politico:
Members of Congress are legally permitted to use campaign funds for travel, meals, events, and even child care, provided the funds are not for “personal use.” This means they can’t be allocated to activities separate from campaign-related efforts. FEC explains. Leadership PACs aren’t bound by the same personal use rule, allowing lawmakers a degree of flexibility in utilizing the funds they’ve raised. Sources suggest Gallego has noticeably embraced this luxury, often accompanied by his mother, Sidney, and a full-time au pair.
“He’s treating campaign funds like his own personal slush fund,” a source commented. “His campaign finances are financing a lavish lifestyle.”
Gallego did not contest the reported expenses, appearing unfazed by the idea that campaign money was being used for family trips or child care.
“This isn’t breaking news,” he stated in a comment to Politico. “Given the rising costs of child care that burden American families, both Democrats and Republicans in Congress and the White House are frequently traveling with their families, as allowed by the FEC.”
Gallego is also reportedly considering a presidential run in 2028.
Some members of Gallego’s inner circle have expressed concerns that he may not pass the necessary evaluations to ascend to the roles of president or vice president.
