Sen. Ruben Gallego broke publicly with Rep. Eric Swalwell on Tuesday, declaring that the California Democrat deceived him about sexual misconduct allegations and admitting his judgment had been compromised by years of personal friendship.
Speaking at a Capitol Hill press conference, Gallego acknowledged that his family's closeness to Swalwell clouded his view of mounting accusations against the congressman. Their children attended baseball camp together. They dined as families. The bond ran deep enough that Gallego chaired Swalwell's 2020 presidential campaign.
"My friendship with him, our family's friendship together with him, clouded my judgment, and I was wrong," Gallego said, adding that he "deeply, deeply" regretted his earlier stance.
The moment of reckoning came weeks ago when rumors began circulating about Swalwell's alleged behavior toward women. Gallego said he finally pressed Swalwell directly about the accusations. "He lied to me," the senator told reporters, without elaborating on the specifics of what was said.
Gallego insisted he had no direct knowledge of predatory conduct. "I never saw him engage in any of the predatory behavior, harassment, sexual assault," he repeated. Yet he alleged that Swalwell "became very good at being a predator, and he clearly preyed on these women in different positions."
The accusations against Swalwell intensified last week when the San Francisco Chronicle reported that a former congressional staffer alleged he sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. She also described multiple sexual encounters that occurred while she worked in his office. CNN reported her account simultaneously, and a source familiar with the woman's allegations confirmed the reporting to NBC News.
Three other women spoke to CNN accusing Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including two who alleged he sent unsolicited explicit images. One accuser, Ally Sammarco, confirmed her account to NBC News. On Tuesday, another woman, Lonna Drewes, publicly accused Swalwell of drugging, choking, and raping her at a California hotel in 2018.
Swalwell's attorney, Sara Azari, issued a statement calling all allegations "false, fabricated, and deeply offensive." She characterized them as "a calculated and transparent political hit job" and said the congressman "categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation."
Gallego said he called Swalwell after the Chronicle's Friday publication and told him to exit the California gubernatorial race. Swalwell suspended his campaign Sunday night. Monday brought news that the House Ethics Committee had opened an investigation. Swalwell resigned from Congress on Tuesday.
The Arizona senator said he would cooperate fully if legal proceedings or subpoenas required him to provide records or information related to his interactions with Swalwell.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Gallego's turnabout is striking, but his admission that personal ties blinded him to warning signs raises uncomfortable questions about how many of his colleagues turned away from similar red flags out of sheer proximity and friendship."
Comments