Ruben Gallego alleges Eric Swalwell 'lied' and 'betrayed' him, says he never saw inappropriate behavior

The Arizona Democrat said their close friendship "clouded" his judgment about rumors that Swalwell engaged in potentially inappropriate behavior.

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., said Tuesday that his close friendship with Rep. Eric Swalwell obscured his judgment about rumors that the California Democrat had engaged in potentially inappropriate behavior with women over the years.

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"My friendship with him, our family’s friendship together with him, clouded my judgment, and I was wrong — I deeply, deeply regret that," Gallego told reporters at a news conference on Capitol Hill.

Gallego said he called the news conference to reject any suggestions that he was aware of Swalwell's alleged sexual misconduct toward women. The Democratic senator, who served in the House with Swalwell for a decade, said he had "no knowledge of predatory behavior, sexual assault, or harassment" that have been alleged against the married father of three.