Senator Ruben Gallego Under DOJ Investigation for Alleged Campaign Fund Misuse

Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, is under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for allegedly using campaign funds for personal expenses, including family vacations. A source familiar with the investigation confirmed the probe, which is focused on potential violations of campaign finance laws. Reports indicate that Gallego used campaign money for trips to locations such as Miami, Saint Barthélemy, Disneyland, Disney World, and Chicago, as well as for attending the 2023 Super Bowl in Arizona. Gallego has stated that the Super Bowl tickets were a legitimate campaign expense. Additionally, he reportedly used $18,000 from his leadership PAC to cover childcare costs. Following the dismissal of ethics complaints against him, Gallego described the allegations as politically motivated conspiracies. He emphasized that travel expenses for family members are permitted under Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules. The DOJ investigation was disclosed shortly after Gallego was cleared by Congress of the ethics complaints. Gallego has previously been associated with former Congressman Eric Swalwell, who resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations.