The Senate Ethics Committee has dismissed allegations of misconduct against Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., after conducting an investigation into complaints filed by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.
In a letter dated June 26 and obtained by NBC News, the six committee members led by Chair James Lankford, R-Okla., and Vice Chair Chris Coons, D-Del., informed Gallego that the panel "did not find evidence" supporting the specific allegations brought against him.
The complaint alleged campaign finance violations and inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature. The committee considered information in the complaint, statements by individuals identified in it, and campaign and congressional office expenditure reports before reaching its conclusion.
Luna had publicly voiced her allegations on X in April, writing: "I have now heard of 4 women who have had multiple and uncomfortable/inappropriate advances/comments/touching, etc. from Senator Gallego." She stated the accusations were "not made up" and noted that "the Senate is being awfully quiet about it."
Gallego has denied knowledge of any instances involving inappropriate conduct and said he was "lied to" regarding related allegations against a former colleague.
What the Right Is Saying
Luna did not apologize after the committee's decision and continued to stand by her allegations against Gallego.
Responding on X, Luna wrote: "These are not conspiracy theories. You're a gross example of representation." She referenced the breakup of Gallego's first marriage and suggested additional information would emerge, stating: "There are plenty of people who know about your antics... eventually the reporters come forward with your texts."
Luna concluded her post by saying: "Once a creep always a creep, and you're gonna need it" — referring to Gallego's legal defense fund. Republican critics have argued that the Ethics Committee process is limited in scope and cannot fully investigate all allegations, particularly those involving witness testimony that may not have been presented.
What the Left Is Saying
Gallego called the dismissal a vindication, saying the accusations were "right-wing conspiracies peddled by far-right activists like Anna Paulina Luna, the White House, and their allies." He demanded an apology from Luna for "weaponizing the ethics process" while accusing Republicans of ignoring "historic corruption."
The Arizona senator stated he would continue "fighting for Arizonans and holding Trump Republicans accountable for high costs and new wars." His office confirmed Monday that he is maintaining a legal defense fund established last month to cover expenses from the investigation.
Democrats have largely rallied behind Gallego, with party supporters arguing the complaint was politically motivated and designed to damage a rising progressive voice in the Senate. The Ethics Committee's bipartisan dismissal has been cited by allies as confirmation of the allegations' lack of merit.
What the Numbers Show
The Senate Ethics Committee consists of six members: three Democrats and three Republicans. The panel operates on a bipartisan basis, requiring consensus on major decisions such as dismissing complaints.
Gallego established his legal defense fund in May 2026 following Luna's complaint. Such funds are permitted under Senate rules to help offset expenses incurred by members defending themselves against ethics-related allegations.
The committee's letter explicitly stated it "retains the authority to revisit this matter should additional facts become known," leaving open the possibility of future investigation if new evidence emerges.
The Bottom Line
The Ethics Committee's dismissal represents a formal conclusion to Luna's complaint, but the dispute between the two lawmakers appears far from resolved. Gallego has called for an apology; Luna has refused and suggested additional information may surface.
Both sides are likely to continue using this episode in political messaging — Democrats framing it as vindication against politically motivated attacks, Republicans pointing to unresolved questions about the underlying allegations themselves.
Watchers of Arizona politics note that Gallego is considered a potential future statewide candidate, meaning this matter could resurface in future campaign contexts. The Ethics Committee's authority to revisit the case if new facts emerge means the investigation remains technically open.