Sen. Gallego Alleges Rep. Swalwell 'Lied' and 'Betrayed' Him

Gallego says his close friendship with Swalwell 'clouded' his judgment about misconduct allegations.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:34pm by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty congressional office, with a lone chair and desk bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight, conveying a sense of solitude and the aftermath of a political scandal.The resignation of a prominent congressman amid allegations of sexual misconduct leaves an empty seat in the halls of power.San Francisco Today

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., said Tuesday that his close friendship with Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., obscured his judgment about rumors that Swalwell had engaged in potentially inappropriate behavior with women over the years. Gallego said he had 'no knowledge of predatory behavior, sexual assault, or harassment' by Swalwell, but that when he recently asked Swalwell about the misconduct allegations, 'he lied to me.'

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell have led to an investigation by the House Ethics Committee and his resignation from Congress. Gallego's comments shed light on how personal relationships can sometimes cloud judgment when it comes to misconduct allegations against political allies.

The details

Gallego said he had heard for 'many years' that Swalwell was 'just a flirty, social guy,' but only recently asked him about the misconduct allegations after they surfaced. Gallego said that when he did ask Swalwell about the allegations, 'he lied to me.' Several women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer who alleged he sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. Swalwell has denied the allegations, calling them 'flat false.'

  • Several weeks ago, rumors about sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell began circulating.
  • On Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported about a former Swalwell staffer accusing him of two sexual assaults.
  • On Monday, the House Ethics Committee announced it had opened an investigation into Swalwell.
  • On Tuesday, Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress.

The players

Sen. Ruben Gallego

A Democratic senator from Arizona who previously served in the House with Swalwell for a decade and was close friends with him.

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who has been accused of sexual misconduct by several women, including a former staffer who alleged he sexually assaulted her.

Sara Azari

An attorney for Rep. Swalwell who issued a statement denying the allegations against him and calling them 'false, fabricated, and deeply offensive.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My friendship with him, our family's friendship together with him, clouded my judgment, and I was wrong — I deeply, deeply regret that.”

— Sen. Ruben Gallego

“I never saw him engage in any of the predatory behavior, harassment, sexual assault.”

— Sen. Ruben Gallego

“These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive — a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent twenty years in public service.”

— Sara Azari, Attorney for Rep. Eric Swalwell

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into the allegations against Rep. Swalwell. It remains to be seen what the outcome of that investigation will be.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex dynamics that can arise when close personal relationships intersect with allegations of misconduct. It underscores the importance of maintaining objectivity and due diligence, even when it comes to those we consider friends.