Gallego, seen as a Democratic model, faces new scrutiny

Sen. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.) has been held up as a model for the Democratic Party’s future since winning his Senate seat in 2024, with colleagues praising his skills as a communicator who succeeded during a time when other Democrats have struggled. 

He has drawn consistent praise for his authenticity and for his ability to connect with voters — particularly Latinos, a key demographic Democrats have sought to win back in recent years. 

But this week, the junior senator from Arizona has faced questions that could taint his future political prospects — particularly if he decides to run for president in 2028.

The questions surround what he knew and when regarding the sexual assault allegations that caused Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) to resign his House seat and withdraw from the California gubernatorial race last week. 

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) this week also came out accusing Gallego of his own misconduct, something flatly denied by the Arizona senator.

Luna told CBS News’s “The Takeout with Major Garrett” that a woman was preparing to come forward with allegations “sexual in nature” against Gallego, as well as campaign finance violations.

She also said Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s (R-S.D.) office told her the matter was under investigation, but she did not offer any evidence to back her statements.

A spokesperson for Gallego told The Hill that the allegations were “right-wing conspiracy theories being parroted by a fringe far-right member of Congress.” The spokesperson also said Gallego had not received notification or been contacted by the Ethics Committee.

Thune’s office told The Hill that anything received from Luna about the allegations have been referred to the Senate Ethics Committee but refused to comment any further.  

Gallego was close to Swalwell and earlier sought to get ahead of the firestorm by holding a press conference in his office........

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