Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs repeatedly declined to state whether she believes Senator Ruben Gallego’s claim that he was unaware of sexual misconduct allegations involving former Congressman Eric Swalwell. During a Sunday interview with Phoenix’s NBC 12 News, reporter Brahm Resnik questioned the Governor on her ally’s explanation regarding his longtime associate.
Gallego, who chaired Swalwell’s 2020 presidential bid and has been described as a close friend of the Californian, has maintained he had no knowledge of the behavior currently being leveled against Swalwell.
When Resnik asked Hobbs if she accepted that explanation, the Governor pivoted to her professional background.
“Well, those are really questions for the senator,” Hobbs said. “I will say that as a social worker who spent a big part of my career working with victims of domestic violence, I absolutely take any allegations of sexual assault seriously and believe that any perpetrator, no matter who they are, needs to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
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The exchange grew more pointed as Resnik noted the Governor was not providing a direct answer. Hobbs maintained that the validity of Gallego’s defense was not hers to judge, stating, “I don’t think it’s on me to accept it. It’s on the voters and, again, these questions need to go back to the senator.”
The controversy stems from the recent resignation of Swalwell, who stepped down from Congress following a series of serious accusations. A former staffer alleged she woke up in April 2024 to find Swalwell on top of her in a hotel bed after a night of heavy drinking. Additionally, influencer Ally Sammarco accused the former representative of sending unsolicited explicit images.
Gallego has faced scrutiny over how such behavior could go unnoticed by his inner circle. Defending his lack of awareness, Gallego characterized the former congressman as a master of deception.
“This man led a double life. He lied to us, he lied to his family, he lied to his constituents,” Gallego said. He claimed he was “manipulated” and “lied to,” adding that he is willing to release all text messages and materials shared with Swalwell if he receives a subpoena.
While Hobbs concluded the interview by stating she supports survivors and welcomes accountability, she remained firm in her refusal to comment specifically on the Senator’s credibility regarding the timeline of his knowledge.
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