Swalwell friend Gallego defends campaign-funded Super Bowl, Miami trips: ‘Go where the money is’
Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., defended his campaign-funded travel and fundraising events after recent reporting detailed luxury travel, childcare and event expenses paid through his political committees, arguing that trips to...
By Fox News · Fox News
Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., defended his campaign-funded travel and fundraising events after recent reporting detailed luxury travel, childcare and event expenses paid through his political committees, arguing that trips to the Super Bowl and Miami were legitimate efforts to raise money for his political operation. "You have to go where the money is to raise money," Gallego told Fox News Digital when asked about criticism surrounding the expenditures. It was recently reported that Gallego used his leadership PAC to pay for a variety of luxurious trips, including trips to Miami, Saint Barthélemy, Disneyland, Disney World and Chicago, according to financial filings. A source familiar with Gallego’s spending said the senator often used campaign cash to bring his family on these vacations and used donor cash to fund babysitting services for his children, as reported by Politico. Federal Election Commission records also show Gallego using a joint fundraising committee with former Rep. Eric Swalwell , who recently resigned from Congress after multiple women accused the California Democrat of sexual assault, that was used to fund tickets for him and his wife to attend the 2023 Super Bowl. When asked about his recent financial controversies, Gallego claimed the Super Bowl endeavor to be a fundraiser event, the "Swallego Victory Fund," which he hosted with Swalwell. "The Super Bowl was in Arizona , I represent Arizona," Gallego said. "We threw a Super Bowl fundraiser in Arizona where we raised money for my election in 2023. That's what you do." SWALWELL'S 'BEST FRIEND' IN CONGRESS TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL ALLEGATIONS TORPEDO HIS POLITICAL CAREER The event was held with donors at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, just 20 days after Gallego launched his Arizona Senate bid. A copy of the invitation obtained by Politico shows tickets costing $5,000, including a brunch that could be attended before the game for an additional $1,000. The event cost over $37,000, with…