Dem Arizona Sen Ruben Gallego under DOJ investigation for campaign finance violations: report

Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona is under federal investigation for suspected campaign finance violations, according to a report from Axios. The probe from the Justice Department comes just as the Senate Ethics Committee closed its inquiry into Gallego for alleged sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations.

According to the outlet, the probe from the DOJ stems from a "whistleblower complaint" in Southern California. The investigation also comes after Gallego was revealed to have used campaign cash to fund a luxury outing for himself, his wife, and their children, per a Politico analysis of his campaign finance records.

Gallego's activities have also been under high scrutiny after his close ally in Congress, former Rep. Eric Swalwell, resigned from his position in disgrace amid allegations of sexual misconduct with multiple women. Four women accused Swalwell of sexual harassment, assault, and rape.

Gallego has denied any wrongdoing and says that allegations against him regarding his campaign finances are politically motivated. The congressional probe has been separate from any DOJ investigation.

Other findings in the report from Politico revealed that Gallego tapped his PAC and main campaign committee for $18,000 in payments for childcare since 2019. This included $400 for his wife's mother to babysit his kids.

On another occasion, Gallego used a joint campaign account with Swalwell to attend the 2023 Superbowl in Arizona with his wife. According to FEC finance regulations, campaign funds can be used for travel, childcare, and other activities as long as they are not for "personal use."