Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego speaks out on close friend Eric Swalwell’s resignation amid sexual assault allegations

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego spoke out Thursday following the resignation of his close friend, Congressman Eric Swalwell, amid sexual assault allegations. Gallego said he felt betrayed and deeply regretted his friendship with Swalwell, whom he accused of lying and manipulating him about the accusations.

Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, amid multiple sexual assault allegations, according to reports. The California congressman had been the frontrunner in the state’s gubernatorial race before the accusations surfaced. At least five women have accused Swalwell of sexual crimes, including rape and misconduct, with one woman alleging assaults in both 2019 and 2024 while he was her employer, according to a San Francisco newspaper cited by the Associated Press. Another report from the San Francisco Chronicle detailed allegations from a former staff member.

“At least five women have accused Swalwell of sexual crimes, including rape and misconduct, with one woman alleging assaults in both 2019 and 2024 while he was her employer, according to a San Francisco newspaper cited by the Associated Press.”

Despite the accusations, Swalwell has denied all claims. In a video statement released Friday, he said, “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They’re absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them.” His attorney sent cease-and-desist letters to two accusers on Thursday, demanding retractions of their statements, CNN reported.

Senator Ruben Gallego, a close friend of Swalwell and national chair for Swalwell’s 2020 presidential campaign, addressed the situation in an impromptu press conference at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 14. Gallego expressed feelings of betrayal and regret, saying, “We have been betrayed. We were lied to. Lied to repeatedly and manipulated for many years,” according to FOX 10 Phoenix. He accused Swalwell of lying to “the most powerful people in this country” who trusted him. Gallego also denied being the man shown in a social media video with Swalwell, calling the claim “an absolute lie.”

Gallego said he “deeply regrets” his friendship with Swalwell, admitting that their close relationship, which included family ties such as their children attending baseball camp together and babysitting each other’s kids, clouded his judgment. “My friendship with him, our family’s friendship together with him, clouded my judgement. And I was wrong,” Gallego told reporters, according to Idaho News. He reiterated, “I deeply, deeply regret that,” as reported by Forbes Breaking News.

The Arizona senator stated he had no prior knowledge of Swalwell’s alleged predatory behavior. “I didn’t know anything about it,” Gallego said. He claimed Swalwell manipulated him into dismissing allegations as a smear campaign, comparing it to political attacks Gallego faced during his 2024 Senate race against Kari Lake. “I fell for it like everyone else. I fell for the lies,” he said.

Gallego described the situation as “an awful situation for the victims,” “for Eric,” and “for my family,” according to FOX 10 Phoenix. He highlighted Swalwell’s previous roles on sensitive House committees, including the Judiciary Committee and Intelligence Committee, as well as his involvement in the Trump impeachment proceedings.

The allegations against Swalwell have prompted significant media coverage and political fallout. Gallego’s comments were reported across multiple outlets, including Fox News, Forbes Breaking News, and Idaho News, reflecting the broader impact of the scandal on political circles. Swalwell’s resignation marks a rare instance of a sitting congressman stepping down amid such serious accusations.

As the investigation continues, Swalwell’s attorney maintains the allegations are false and plans to challenge the claims legally. Meanwhile, Gallego and others who had close ties with Swalwell are publicly grappling with the ramifications of the revelations. The ongoing scrutiny is expected to affect California’s political landscape and Swalwell’s future prospects.