Former Swalwell Ally Admits Friendship 'Clouded Judgement' Amid Misconduct Allegations

Sen. Ruben Gallego says he regrets defending ex-Rep. Eric Swalwell as rumors swirled in DC

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:48am by

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A dynamic, abstract painting with overlapping geometric shapes and fractured lines in shades of blue, red, and gold, conceptually representing the turbulent aftermath of misconduct allegations against a politician.The fallout from misconduct allegations against a former congressman exposes the dangers of political friendships blinding lawmakers to problematic behavior.San Francisco Today

One of former Rep. Eric Swalwell's closest friends in Congress, Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., said their tight-knit relationship 'clouded his judgment' regarding rumors that swirled about the ex-lawmaker for years in Washington, D.C. Gallego apologized for defending Swalwell against allegations of misconduct, which he later said he regretted. Swalwell has faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct and assault, leading to his resignation from Congress.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of political friendships and the potential for personal relationships to cloud judgement, even among lawmakers. It also raises questions about the culture in Washington, D.C. and whether more could have been done to address rumors and allegations against Swalwell earlier.

The details

Gallego said he 'fell for the lies' that Swalwell fed him, believing the allegations against his friend were a 'smear campaign' similar to what Gallego faced in his own 2024 Senate race. Gallego noted that Swalwell 'became very good at being a predator' and was able to 'prey on these women in different positions' while also lying to his family, community, and fellow lawmakers. Swalwell has denied the 'serious false allegations' against him but said he must 'take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make' in resigning from Congress.

  • Swalwell officially resigned from Congress on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Allegations of Swalwell's misconduct surfaced online at the start of his gubernatorial bid.

The players

Eric Swalwell

Former Democratic Congressman from California who resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct and assault.

Ruben Gallego

Democratic Senator from Arizona who was a close friend and ally of Swalwell in Congress, but now says their relationship 'clouded his judgment' regarding the rumors about Swalwell.

Nancy Pelosi

Former Democratic Speaker of the House who, along with other California Democrats, criticized Swalwell over the allegations against him.

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What they’re saying

“Eric Swalwell lied to all of us. He lied to the most powerful people in this country and they trusted him. They trusted him with some of the most sensitive spots in our government, whether it was on Judiciary Committee, Intel Committee, impeaching Donald Trump.”

— Ruben Gallego, U.S. Senator

“And that clouded my judgment, my friendship with him. Our family's friendship together with him clouded my judgment. And I was wrong. I deeply, deeply regret that.”

— Ruben Gallego, U.S. Senator

“He knew I came off a horrible race where I had to answer to my family. I have to answer accusations to best friends, to my kids. And he fed into that. He fed into it and I fell for it like everyone else. I fell for the lies. I regret it, but that's what happened.”

— Ruben Gallego, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee is expected to launch a formal investigation into the allegations against Swalwell, which could lead to his expulsion from Congress.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential dangers of close political friendships and the need for greater accountability, even among the highest levels of government. It also raises concerns about the culture in Washington, D.C. and whether more could have been done to address rumors and allegations against powerful lawmakers earlier.