By Gloria Ogbonna
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) said Thursday that she has provided information to Senate leadership and ethics officials regarding allegations involving Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), including claims of a sexual incident and potential campaign finance violations. Gallego’s office strongly denied the accusations and stated that he has not been contacted by the Senate Ethics Committee.
Speaking with CBS News correspondent Major Garrett, Luna elaborated on a post she had shared earlier on X (formerly Twitter), in which she suggested serious concerns about a sitting U.S. senator. When Garrett pressed her to identify the lawmaker in question, Luna confirmed she was referring to Sen. Ruben Gallego and described him as being “very closely tied” to former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA).
Luna said she had communicated directly with Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office and that materials had been submitted for review.
“I have since confirmed with Sen. John Thune’s chief of staff, as well as they’re linking us to their ethics [committee], that they are investigating, and we are sending all appropriate information directly to them,” Luna stated.
When asked what she meant by describing the allegations as “very disturbing,” Luna said a woman was allegedly preparing to come forward publicly through legal representation. According to Luna, the woman intended to go on the record regarding an incident involving Gallego that was “sexual in nature, allegedly.”
In addition to the alleged sexual misconduct, Luna also referenced what she described as “apparent issues of campaign finance violations.” She said the concerns warranted swift action and called on Senate leadership to treat the matter seriously.
“I think that this is something that should be addressed quickly,” Luna said, adding that Senate leadership should take the allegations seriously “especially given the nature of what’s become apparent regarding Eric Swalwell.”
Garrett asked Luna whether she believed the allegations could involve criminal conduct.
“I think that if it involves people that were potentially trafficked, yes,” Luna responded. “Regarding the campaign finance violations, I think that that’s cut and dry.”
Luna clarified that she is not conducting her own formal investigation but is instead forwarding information to what she described as the appropriate authorities for independent review.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Gallego rejected the accusations outright, characterizing them as politically motivated.
“These are right-wing conspiracy theories being parroted by a fringe far-right member of Congress,” the spokesperson said in a statement to CBS News. “Senator Gallego has not received notification from or been contacted by the ethics committee.”
The allegations surfaced shortly after Gallego publicly distanced himself from former Rep. Eric Swalwell, whom Gallego had previously described as his “best friend.” Gallego withdrew his endorsement of Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign on April 10 after allegations against Swalwell were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
At the time, Gallego called the reported conduct “indefensible” and said he regretted initially defending Swalwell before learning more details. On April 13, Gallego went further, stating that Swalwell was “no longer fit” to serve in Congress and “should be expelled.”
Gallego maintained that he had “no knowledge of the allegations of assault, harassment, and predatory behavior” against Swalwell and said he had trusted someone he believed was a close friend.
The allegations against Swalwell include claims from a former staffer who told the San Francisco Chronicle that Swalwell allegedly sexually assaulted her in 2019 and again in 2024 after she became intoxicated. She also alleged that he sent her explicit images and requested nude photographs.
Another woman, Lonna Drewes, stated during an April 14 press conference that she believed Swalwell drugged her, raped her, and choked her in a hotel room in 2018. Drewes said she lost consciousness during the encounter and feared for her life.
Swalwell denied the most serious allegations, stating, “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.” He later announced plans to resign from Congress.
Political analysts have noted that the fallout from the Swalwell controversy could extend beyond his own career. Axios national political correspondent Alex Thompson said on CNN that Gallego, who had reportedly been preparing a potential presidential campaign, could face political consequences due to his close personal and professional relationship with Swalwell.
As of now, there has been no public confirmation from the Senate Ethics Committee regarding any formal investigation into Gallego. The situation remains fluid, with competing claims and denials continuing to unfold.
Source Breitbart
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