DOJ investigating Sen. Ruben Gallego's use of campaign funds, sources say

Washington — The Justice Department has launched an investigation into Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona for possible campaign finance violations, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The case was prompted by a whistleblower complaint in Southern California, one of the sources added. The investigation focuses on Gallego's usage of campaign funds since 2019 for family trips, according to a source familiar with the probe. Federal Election Commission records show that Gallego has billed his campaign accounts for trips to Puerto Rico, Nantucket, Miami and other places. Federal records also show that in 2023, a political action committee set up by Gallego and former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California spent over $37,000 on tickets and meals for the Super Bowl. According to records, the committee has since been terminated. Swalwell and Gallego's PAC held a fundraiser in connection with the 2023 Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, to raise money for Gallego's election, he has previously told Fox News. Swalwell resigned from Congress in April and ended his bid for California governor after several women accused him of sexual misconduct. Swalwell has denied the allegations. Gallego has denied campaign finance wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crime. He has not been contacted by the Justice Department about any potential or ongoing probe, according to a person familiar with the matter granted anonymity to speak frankly about the situation. …