The Senate Ethics Committee on June 26 dismissed a complaint against Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., that alleged campaign finance violations and inappropriate sexual conduct, the committee wrote in a letter to Gallego.
The committee wrote, "Based on the investigation of the Committee, the Committee did not find evidence that your actions violated Federal law, Senate rules, or related standards of conduct," and said it appreciated Gallego's "full cooperation" throughout the investigation.
The panel that sent the letter was composed of six committee members led by Chair James Lankford, R-Okla., and Vice Chair Chris Coons, D-Del.
Gallego said in a statement, "Today’s dismissal reaffirms what I have said about these accusations from the beginning: they were right-wing conspiracies peddled by far-right activists like Anna Paulina Luna, the White House, and their allies. I look forward to an apology from Rep. Luna for weaponizing the ethics process while refusing to investigate historic corruption that’s making life harder for families. In the meantime, I will continue fighting for Arizonans and holding Trump Republicans accountable for high costs and new wars."
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., referred the allegations to the committee in April and defended her referral on X, writing, "These are not conspiracy theories," and, "The good news about DC is everyone talks, and eventually the reporters come forward with your texts." Politico reported Luna had told CBS that a woman would come forward alleging an incident that was "sexual in nature allegedly."
The committee said it considered information in the complaint, statements by individuals identified in it and campaign and congressional office expenditure reports, and it added that it "retains the authority to revisit this matter should additional facts become known."
Gallego set up a legal defense fund last month to help pay legal fees, and his office said he is maintaining the fund for outstanding legal fees.
The complaints surfaced in the wake of the resignation of Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., after news reports of allegations of sexual assault and harassment; Swalwell has denied at least some of the allegations, and NPR noted it had not independently verified the allegations against Swalwell. Gallego has acknowledged a close friendship with Swalwell and previously said, "My friendship with him, our family's friendship together with him, clouded my judgment, and I was wrong — I deeply, deeply regret that."