Key facts
- The Department of Justice is investigating Senator Gallego for campaign finance violations.
- The Senate Ethics Committee previously dismissed allegations against Gallego.
- Gallego reportedly used campaign funds for child care, family travel, and Super Bowl tickets.
- Gallego acknowledged using campaign funds for child care and family travel.
The Department of Justice is investigating Senator Gallego for alleged campaign finance violations. This development follows reports that the Arizona Democrat used campaign funds for personal expenses, including child care, family travel to destinations like Disneyland and Disney World, and attending the Super Bowl. Gallego has acknowledged bringing his family on campaign trips and using campaign dollars for child care, stating it is "the nature of the campaign system we have in our country."
A spokesperson for Gallego criticized the DOJ investigation, calling it a political attack orchestrated by President Donald Trump and suggesting it was timed to coincide with the Senate Ethics Committee's recent dismissal of similar allegations. The Ethics Committee had announced it did not find evidence to support claims of campaign finance violations and inappropriate sexual conduct leveled by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna.
Federal lawmakers generally have broad latitude to use donor funds for campaign-related purposes, including child care during events and travel for constituent meetings. Gallego's use of campaign funds for an au pair and his mother-in-law to care for his children, as well as attending the Super Bowl via a joint committee with former Rep. Eric Swalwell, have drawn scrutiny.