Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego is being urged to release all communications between himself and now-former Representative Eric Swalwell, who resigned this week following accusations of sexual misconduct by multiple women.
On Tuesday, Republican Representative Mike Lawler sent a letter to Gallego, noting his “well-documented” friendship with Swalwell and calling on the Arizona senator to prove he had no knowledge of Swalwell’s “inappropriate conduct.”
“In the interest of full transparency, you must release all text messages, emails, group chat messages including over Signal, social media communications, including Facebook, Instagram, X, Snapchat, TikTok, as well as any photos and videos,” the letter reads. “I urge you to do the right thing, stand with Rep. Swalwell’s accusers, and release the files.”
Newsweek has contacted Gallego’s office via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Swalwell suspended his bid to become California’s next governor following reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, ranging from harassment to rape, by the congressman. Amid calls for his resignation and a bipartisan push to expel him from Congress, Swalwell later announced that he would be stepping down as the representative for California’s 14th congressional district.
Swalwell has denied all allegations against him, with his legal representative calling these “a calculated and transparent political hit job.”
With former staffers and others alleging Swalwell had a history of inappropriate conduct, some on Capitol Hill are now pushing for further details on his past behavior.
“Anyone who knew of his seemingly consistent behavior should be held accountable for protecting him as well,” Lawler’s letter read.
What To Know
As Lawler notes, Gallego and Swalwell had a well-documented amicable relationship, Gallego having chaired Swalwell’s 2020 presidential campaign and Swalwell having described Gallego as his “best friend.”
However, Gallego withdrew his endorsement for Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid on Friday following the reports of sexual misconduct, and expressed regret for “having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information.”
“I had no knowledge of the allegations of assault, harassment, and predatory behavior against Eric Swalwell,” Gallego posted to X. “I trusted someone who I believed was a friend, but it is now clear that he is not the person I thought I knew.”
In a press gaggle on Tuesday, the Arizona senator told reporters that Swalwell “lied to all of us,” and said he would be prepared to release messages between himself and Swalwell if required to do so in any upcoming legal or ethical proceedings.
In his letter on Tuesday, Lawler said that Gallego should voluntarily release the communications “in the interests of full transparency.”
“As a strong advocate for releasing the Epstein files, it is only right that you adhere to the same standard set by you and Congress with respect to those with close ties to serial abusers,” it read.
Gallego told reporters that he and his team have “nothing to hide,” and that he had been “completely transparent and honest…about what I knew [and] when I knew it.”
However, Gallego said that releasing the communications would only lead to further speculation and carry forward the “lies” about his alleged knowledge of, or involvement in, Swalwell’s past behavior.
What Happens Next
Five women have now come forward with accusations against Swalwell, who is facing an investigation from the House Ethics Committee as well as a criminal investigation from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.