Former Swalwell ally says longtime friendship with him 'clouded my judgement' as rumors swirled in DC

By Fox News · Fox News

One of former Rep. Eric Swalwell's , D-Calif., closest friends in Congress said their tight-knit relationship "clouded my judgment" regarding rumors that swirled about the ex-lawmaker for years in Washington, D.C. "Eric Swalwell lied to all of us," Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., said at an impromptu press conference in his office. "He lied to the most powerful people in this country and they trusted him. They trusted him with some of the most sensitive spots in our government, whether it was on Judiciary Committee, Intel Committee, impeaching Donald Trump." "And that clouded my judgment, my friendship with him," he continued. "Our family's friendship together with him clouded my judgment. And I was wrong. I deeply, deeply regret that." SWALWELL OUT AMID SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS AFTER 13 YEARS IN CONGRESS It’s a sharp pivot for Gallego, given that the two had a familial-like relationship. Just last week, Gallego defended Swalwell online against allegations of misconduct, which he later said he regretted. Their kids went to baseball camp together, they babysat one another’s children, and Gallego even jumped on board as national chair for Swalwell’s failed 2020 presidential bid. But after a bombshell report from the San Francisco Chronicle alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted a former staffer, his former friend is no longer sticking up for him. SWALWELL'S 'BEST FRIEND' IN CONGRESS TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL ALLEGATIONS TORPEDO HIS POLITICAL CAREER In the days since that report surfaced, five people in total have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct or rape. Gallego, while heaping blame on Swalwell and apologizing to his alleged victims, maintained that he had no knowledge of the alleged behavior. He noted, however, that rumors had circulated about Swalwell — and other past lawmakers — in the nation’s capital for years. When pressed on the nature of those rumors, Gallego said Swalwell was "flirty," but nothing along the lines of the allegations that sank his gub…