Justice Department Opens Campaign Finance Probe Into Sen. Ruben Gallego

The Justice Department has opened an investigation into Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona for possible campaign finance violations, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The case stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in Southern California.

Investigators are examining Gallego's use of campaign funds since 2019 for trips to Puerto Rico, Nantucket, Miami and other locations.

and Fundraising Events Federal Election

Commission records show a political action committee established by Gallego and former Rep. Eric Swalwell spent more than $37,000 on Super Bowl tickets and meals in 2023. The committee raised about $55,000 around the event and later distributed roughly $7,600 to each campaign after expenses.

Gallego's office stated the Super Bowl tickets were offered to supporters at a fundraiser and that other trips served fundraising purposes, including an annual Puerto Rico retreat and a Nantucket event hosted by a separate PAC.

The Senate Ethics Committee dismissed an unrelated complaint against Gallego last Friday. The panel found no evidence that Gallego violated federal law, Senate rules or standards of conduct. A spokesman for Gallego described the Justice Department inquiry as politically motivated and said the senator has not been contacted by investigators.

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment. Caleb Burns, a partner at Wiley Rein specializing in election law, said such cases depend on whether campaign funds were used for a clear campaign purpose. The investigation was first reported by Axios.