WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Sen. Ruben Gallego is facing new scrutiny over his use of campaign and political funds after a report detailed spending on family travel, child care, and high-profile events since the launch of his Senate campaign in 2023.
A review of campaign finance records by POLITICO found that the Arizona Democrat used campaign-related funds for several trips involving his wife, children, and other family members. The report also highlighted his attendance at Super Bowl LVII through a joint fundraising committee that he operated with former Rep. Eric Swalwell.
The spending has drawn attention as Gallego emerges as a rising figure within the Democratic Party. His successful 2024 Senate campaign and growing national profile have fueled speculation about a possible presidential run in 2028.
Gallego defended the spending and said he followed federal campaign finance rules. In a statement, he noted that elected officials from both parties often travel with their families while conducting campaign and fundraising activities.
Federal Election Commission rules allow candidates to use campaign funds for certain travel, events,s and child care expenses when those costs relate to campaign activities. Leadership PACs face even fewer restrictions and give lawmakers broad flexibility in spending funds connected to political work.
According to the report, Gallego’s leadership PAC, JUNTOS PAC, paid for trips to locations including Miami, Chicago, Disneyland and Disney World. Family members reportedly accompanied him on several of those trips.
Campaign records also show more than $18,000 in child care reimbursements and related expenses since 2019. Those payments included reimbursements tied to campaign events and travel. Records cited in the report also showed a payment to Gallego’s mother-in-law for babysitting during a fundraiser.
Meanwhile, questions have emerged about a fundraiser linked to Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona. In February 2023, Gallego and Swalwell hosted donors through the “Swallego Victory Fund,” a joint fundraising committee created in 2022.
Supporters paid thousands of dollars to attend the event and related activities. Federal records show the committee spent tens of thousands of dollars on game tickets and event expenses. The committee raised more than $56,000 around the time of the Super Bowl.
Gallego’s office said the fundraiser complied with campaign finance laws. A spokesperson stated that organizers purchased tickets at fair market value and noted that politicians from both parties often host fundraising events tied to major sporting events.
The report also detailed additional travel funded through Gallego’s leadership PAC. According to a source familiar with the spending, the senator’s family joined him on trips that included fundraising activities in Chicago, Miami, mi and other locations.
Campaign records cited in the report showed spending at hotels, restaurants, and vacation rentals connected to those trips. Gallego’s office said each trip included political events, donor meetings,s or fundraising efforts.
The renewed focus on campaign spending comes as Gallego gains influence within national Democratic circles. After defeating Republican Kari Lake in Arizona’s closely watched Senate race in 2024, he became one of the party’s most prominent battleground-state leaders.
At the same time, his relationship with Swalwell has attracted additional attention. Swalwell resigned from Congress earlier this year amid separate allegations involving campaign spending and personal conduct. Gallego has denied knowledge of those matters and has called for accountability regarding the allegations against the former congressman.
Separately, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said earlier this year that she requested a Senate investigation into allegations involving Gallego. However, she did not publicly release details. Gallego’s team dismissed the claims and described them as politically motivated attacks.
Senate leaders have not announced any findings related to those allegations. In previous comments, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Senate Ethics Committee would review whether the concerns warranted further action.
For now, Gallego continues to focus on his Senate duties and political activities. His office maintains that all reported spending followed applicable rules and supported campaign or fundraising objectives. However, the questions surrounding campaign spending could remain a topic of debate as his national profile continues to grow ahead of the 2028 election cycle.
