By Matthew Holloway |
The Republican National Committee is targeting Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) following reports that Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) is facing a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
The attack comes after Gomez publicly acknowledged an extramarital affair following reporting by the New York Post and amid reports that House investigators are reviewing allegations involving his conduct toward congressional staffers. Gomez has denied violating House rules and has maintained that any relationships were consensual.
In a statement distributed Wednesday, RNC Western Regional Communications Director Nick Poche sought to tie Gallego to Gomez and other congressional Democrats who have faced controversy.
“Ruben Gallego’s sick freak friends prey on women and employees. You are the company you keep, so Gallego needs to answer for what he’s seen, and the people around Gallego need to answer whether or not he is part of the problem as well,” Poche said.
According to the New York Post, Gomez admitted to an affair after initially denying reports concerning his personal conduct. The outlet also reported that allegations involving Gomez’s interactions with congressional staffers prompted a House Ethics Committee investigation. Gomez has disputed allegations that he engaged in misconduct and has stated that he did not violate House ethics rules.
As discussion of the allegations spread online, Brian Anderson of Saguaro Group and Arizona Capitol Oversight highlighted a resurfaced 2018 X exchange involving Gallego, Gomez, and Swalwell.
The RNC statement also referenced former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), another California Democrat who has faced scrutiny in recent years. Poche argued that Gallego’s political associations with Gomez and Swalwell warranted additional questions about the Arizona senator’s judgment and political alliances.
Gallego served alongside Gomez during his tenure in the U.S. House before winning election to the Senate in 2024. The RNC did not allege that Gallego engaged in any misconduct.
The new scrutiny also follows controversy surrounding Gallego’s comments on allegations of sexual conduct involving Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner raised by a Fox News report.
In May, Gallego defended Platner, arguing in a post to X that some of the conduct being criticized reflected experiences and attitudes common in military culture. The remarks drew criticism from Republicans and became a point of contention in Arizona political circles.
As of publication, Gallego’s office had not publicly responded to the RNC statement.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
