**Title:** "I Was Wrong About Swalwell, Says Top Senator**

A senior U.S. senator has publicly stated that his long friendship with former Congressman Eric Swalwell impaired his judgment. This comes amid serious, long-standing allegations against Swalwell. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) made the statement in a recent interview. He referred to unspecified rumors and allegations concerning Swalwell that have circulated in Washington, D.C., for years. “My friendship with him clouded my judgment,” Gallego said. While Gallego did not detail the allegations, they are widely understood to refer to claims of sexual assault. Swalwell has consistently denied these allegations. No charges have ever been filed. Gallego and Swalwell were once close political allies. This admission highlights how personal relationships can influence political perceptions in the capital. Swalwell left Congress in 2023. He has not publicly responded to Gallego’s latest comments.