Ruben Gallego

Senator Ruben Gallego, the Arizona Democrat, has reportedly used campaign cash for personal pursuits, including luxury travel and childcare, since launching his bid for the chamber three and a half years ago.

The first-term lawmaker has tapped his leadership PAC, a committee separate from his main campaign group, to fly to Miami and the Caribbean island of St. Barts, as well as for babysitting, according to The Daily Beast. The outlet reviewed campaign finance records for its story published earlier this month, which Politico referenced in a Sunday follow-up.

Gallego reportedly tapped his “JUNTOS PAC,” created shortly after he was sworn in last year, for a February 2025 stay at a Miami Beach hotel. The four-night stay cost more than $9,000, according to The Daily Beast.

The trip included a birthday celebration for the senator’s wife, Sydney Gallego, as well as several political events. A person familiar with the expenses told the outlet the extended weekend was primarily for partying.

“The rules are not robust enough to really prevent office holders from essentially using their campaign funds or funds in their leadership PAC to pay for a trip of this kind,” said Saurav Ghosh, director of the Campaign Legal Center’s financial reform team. “At a common sense level, we can all agree that it probably looks unethical, probably a terrible look from an optics standpoint, but strictly as a legal matter, it’s very difficult to point to a situation like this and say that it’s a clear legal violation.”

Gallego hasn’t returned The National News Desk’s request for comment and didn’t address the birthday celebration when reached by Politico.

The senator’s team has generally described his trips, including the one to St. Barts, as fundraising-focused flings. He and Sydney flew to the island this past March to celebrate the birthday of her boss, Carlos Zaffirini, according to The Daily Beast. The consulting executive has reportedly donated thousands to Gallego and other political figures.

Gallego pulled a couple thousands from “JUNTOS PAC” for the trip’s flights, The Daily Beast noted.

He has also reportedly used more than $8,000 in campaign cash for childcare over the past year. His office told the outlet he has abided by all legal guidelines.

Politico’s follow-up on Gallego’s finances has renewed attention on the senator, whose strong 2024 performance has prompted White House campaign talk. The outlet found that he has used campaign funds for events at the Super Bowl and Disneyland.