Washington, D.C. — Democratic U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona is facing new public allegations of misconduct from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who claims the senator is the subject of “very disturbing” claims that are sexual in nature and may also involve campaign finance violations.
On April 16, 2026, Luna told CBS News’ “The Takeout with Major Garrett” that she had forwarded the information to Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office. She identified Gallego as the previously unnamed senator referenced in an earlier cryptic social media post. Luna stated that a woman, represented by attorneys, is preparing to come forward on the record about an incident “sexual in nature.” She added that some of the allegations could involve “purchasing someone for sex” and described certain campaign finance issues as “cut and dry.” Luna said Thune’s office confirmed the matter had been referred to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics.
CBS News has not independently verified the allegations, and no specific details, names of accusers, or evidence have been publicly released.
Gallego’s office immediately and forcefully denied the claims. A spokesperson called them “right-wing conspiracy theories being parroted by a fringe far-right member of Congress.” The office emphasized that Sen. Gallego “has not received notification or been contacted by the ethics committee.”
The accusations come just days after Gallego publicly distanced himself from his longtime close friend and former House colleague Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). Swalwell resigned from Congress this week amid his own sexual assault and misconduct allegations. Gallego, who once chaired Swalwell’s presidential campaign and described him as family, said at an emotional press conference that Swalwell had “lied to all of us” and that their friendship had “clouded my judgment.” He denied any prior knowledge of Swalwell’s alleged predatory behavior.
Luna specifically noted Gallego’s close ties to Swalwell when discussing the allegations.
This is not the first time Gallego has faced scrutiny over past associations. During his 2024 Senate campaign, critics highlighted his earlier role as communications director for Partisan Alliance, a now-defunct Arizona financial firm that faced state allegations of unlicensed securities sales and fraud targeting immigrant and Latino communities. Gallego was not personally accused of wrongdoing in those matters.
Separately, unsealed 2016-2017 divorce records from his marriage to former Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego contained no allegations of domestic violence or infidelity; both parties stipulated that no significant domestic violence had occurred.
As of April 17, 2026, the Senate Ethics Committee has not publicly commented on the referral, and no formal charges or investigations against Gallego have been announced. The senator has previously stated he has never engaged in sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior with staff or others outside his marriage.
The story is developing, and further details may emerge if the accuser comes forward or if the Ethics Committee takes action.
SOURCES:
GOP Rep. Luna accuses Sen. Ruben Gallego of misconduct; Gallego calls allegations “conspiracy theories” – CBS News
Ruben Gallego denies misconduct allegations as claims surface – KTAR.com
Ruben Gallego alleges Eric Swalwell ‘lied’ and ‘betrayed’ him, says he never saw inappropriate behavior
Gallego-AZ-Microsite-Defrauded-Latinos-and-Immigrants-041024.pdf
What Ruben Gallego’s Unsealed Divorce Records Reveal – Newsweek
Democrat announces new baby with second wife after being accused of ‘walking out’ on his pregnant ex | Daily Mail Online
Swalwell Campaign Press Release – Congressman Ruben Gallego to Serve as National Chair of Swalwell of America | The American Presidency Project
