Scoop: Gallego under federal investigation over campaign spending

Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is under federal investigation for suspected campaign finance violations, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The investigation could cast a shadow over Gallego's political future as the freshman senator eyes a potential 2028 run for president.

• The Justice Department's probe comes after the Senate Ethics Committee closed its inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations after finding no evidence that Gallego violated Senate rules or applicable law, according to a letter released by his office Monday.

Driving the news: The DOJ investigation stems from a "whistleblower complaint" out of Southern California, according to a source familiar with the probe.

• Gallego used a political committee's PAC to fund excursions to Miami, Chicago, Disneyland and Disney World with his family, Politico first reported.
• Gallego's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Catch up quick: Earlier this month Axios reported that Gallego had hired former Biden deputy press secretary Andrew Bates to focus on crisis communications, including any dealings with the Senate ethics panel or fallout from Gallego's friendship with former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.).

• Swalwell resigned from Congress after four women accused him of sexual harassment, assault and rape.

Gallego has denied wrongdoing and has said the allegations against him were politically motivated.

• The congressional ethics process is separate from any federal criminal investigation.