politics
Justice Department Opens Probe Into Senator Gallego Over Campaign Spending
The Department of Justice is investigating Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego for possible campaign-finance violations tied to luxury travel and family expenses. Gallego’s office called the inquiry political retaliation and noted that a Senate ethics panel already dismissed related complaints.
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The probe stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in Southern California. Gallego’s office said the inquiry is an effort by the White House to target political opponents.
Background on the Allegations Reports from Politico and The Daily Beast examined campaign-finance filings and found that Gallego’s leadership political action committee paid for trips to Miami, Chicago, Disneyland and Disney World with his family. The New York Times reviewed travel records and reported that the senator billed tens of thousands of dollars in flights to campaign accounts in 2025, with some trips coinciding with personal events.
Gallego responded that federal rules allow candidates to use campaign funds for travel by spouses and minor children when the travel is connected to political activity. He also noted that child-care costs are permitted under the same Federal Election Commission guidelines.
The panel stated it “did not find evidence” that Gallego’s actions violated federal law or Senate rules. Gallego’s office said he has since distanced himself from Swalwell after learning of the allegations. A spokesperson for Gallego told CNN that the Justice Department probe reflects selective enforcement, claiming the department overlooks other matters while pursuing the senator.
