Gallego Discusses Response to Swalwell Allegations

Gallego described Swalwell as his onetime best friend and noted that the allegations, which emerged this month, ended Swalwell's political career.

Handling the Allegations Gallego stated that he held a 35-minute press conference on April 14 to address the matter. He told Semafor that he developed an ad hoc team as the situation developed. Gallego said he was confident that examinations of his life would not reveal stories of misconduct.

He explained that he viewed the focus shifting from Swalwell to himself, citing mentions by Chris LaCivita on social media and Karoline Leavitt from the White House podium. Gallego stated with 100% certainty that he had never been so intoxicated as to forget his actions.

Gallego acknowledged a reputation for late nights and drinking before having children, which he said was being used against him. He referenced a NOTUS story about inviting embassy staff to join him after midnight during an official trip to Colombia.

Gallego said he would no longer expose himself to such situations with embassy staff to avoid risks. In the interview, Gallego declined to directly address whether his friendship with Swalwell affected his potential presidential run. He noted that he had heard rumors of Swalwell being flirty but was not implicated by any accusers.

Gallego expressed frustration with commentary on his body language during the press conference, attributing folded arms to his Marine background.

Gallego mentioned previous allegations during his 2024 Senate campaign, when opponent Kari Lake sought release of divorce records from his marriage to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, which showed standard reasons for the separation. Gallego stated that Luna claimed a woman would come forward with allegations, but no such claim has emerged publicly.

Gallego said he contacted ethics panel leaders and requested an expedited investigation, meeting with staff the next day. He indicated that some complaints were already debunked, including one based on a tweet by George Santos and another related to knowledge of Swalwell's actions.

Hobbs sidestepped a question about trusting Gallego's account of Swalwell. David Leatherwood, a spokesman for Luna, stated that materials from alleged victims and informants were provided to Senate Majority Leader John Thune's office, which forwarded them for investigation.

George Santos told Semafor that Gallego should focus on his own situation rather than pointing fingers. Before the full extent of the Swalwell situation, Gallego spoke with Vox's Astead Herndon about his profile and regrets regarding Swalwell.