Sen Gallego says Swalwell friendship clouded his judgment on misconduct

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One in every of former Rep. Eric Swalwell's , D-Calif., closest associates in Congress mentioned their tight-knit relationship "clouded my judgment" relating to rumors that swirled in regards to the ex-lawmaker for years in Washington, D.C.

"Eric Swalwell lied to all of us," Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., mentioned at an impromptu press convention in his workplace. "He lied to essentially the most highly effective individuals on this nation they usually trusted him. They trusted him with a few of the most delicate spots in our authorities, whether or not it was on Judiciary Committee, Intel Committee, impeaching Donald Trump."

"And that clouded my judgment, my friendship with him," he continued. "Our household's friendship along with him clouded my judgment. And I used to be flawed. I deeply, deeply remorse that."

SWALWELL OUT AMID SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS AFTER 13 YEARS IN CONGRESS

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., demanded that the Trump administration refund billions in tariff income following President Donald Trump's stinging Supreme Court docket loss. (Daniel Heuer/Bloomberg by way of Getty Photographs)

It’s a pointy pivot for Gallego, on condition that the 2 had a familial-like relationship. Simply final week, Gallego defended Swalwell on-line in opposition to allegations of misconduct, which he later mentioned he regretted.

Their children went to baseball camp collectively, they babysat each other’s youngsters, and Gallego even jumped on board as nationwide chair for Swalwell’s failed 2020 presidential bid.

However after a bombshell report from the San Francisco Chronicle alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted a former staffer, his former good friend is not sticking up for him.

SWALWELL'S 'BEST FRIEND' IN CONGRESS TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL ALLEGATIONS TORPEDO HIS POLITICAL CAREER

Rep. Eric Swalwell spoke throughout a press convention on committee assignments for the 118th Congress on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 25, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Photographs)

Within the days since that report surfaced, 5 individuals in whole have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct or rape.

Gallego, whereas heaping blame on Swalwell and apologizing to his alleged victims, maintained that he had no data of the alleged habits. He famous, nonetheless, that rumors had circulated about Swalwell — and different previous lawmakers — within the nation’s capital for years.

When pressed on the character of these rumors, Gallego mentioned Swalwell was "flirty," however nothing alongside the strains of the allegations that sank his gubernatorial bid and congressional profession — nor exercise that "I'd say would rise to the event that I'd be capable of, you understand, not speak to his spouse the subsequent day and be capable of look her within the eye."

When allegations started to floor on-line on the onset of Swalwell’s gubernatorial run, Gallego mentioned Swalwell "manipulated" him into believing it was a smear marketing campaign much like the one used in opposition to him throughout his 2024 Senate race in opposition to Kari Lake.

PELOSI, CALIFORNIA DEMS SLAM SWALWELL OVER BOMBSHELL SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS: 'INDEFENSIBLE'

Lonna Drewes, alongside lawyer Lisa Bloom, spoke throughout a information briefing on April 14, 2026, in Beverly Hills, California, the place Drewes alleged that former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., drugged and sexually assaulted her throughout a 2018 encounter after providing skilled mentorship. Swalwell has denied the allegations. (Myun J. Chun / Los Angeles Occasions by way of Getty Photographs)

"He knew I got here off a horrible race the place I needed to reply to my household. I've to reply accusations to greatest associates, to my children. And he fed into that," Gallego mentioned. "He fed into it and I fell for it like everybody else. I fell for the lies. I remorse it, however that is what occurred."

The 2 spent important time collectively — on official and personal journeys, on one another’s campaigns, and within the halls of Congress.

When requested the way it was potential that neither he nor different lawmakers who had identified Swalwell for years — together with former Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. — have been conscious, Gallego mentioned "he grew to become superb at being a predator."

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"And he clearly preyed on these girls in several positions. And he grew to become extraordinarily proficient at mendacity to us, mendacity to his household, mendacity to his group," Gallego mentioned. "You already know, the character of his job allowed him to journey. And we simply didn't absolutely perceive … There's simply no approach we might have seen any of this."

Dealing with expulsion and a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of his conduct, Swalwell formally resigned from Congress on Tuesday.

Whereas he apologized to his household and constituents, he doubled down in opposition to the accusations leveled in opposition to him.

"I'll struggle the intense false allegations made in opposition to me," Swalwell wrote in his resignation letter. "Nevertheless, I need to take accountability and possession for the errors I did make."