The Win It Back Political Action Committee (PAC) has released a new ad targeting Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democratic Party U.S. Senate candidate, accusing him of leaving his wife when she was nine months pregnant to pursue a relationship with a Washington, D.C., lobbyist.

The PAC, which is affiliated with Club for Growth Action, is focusing on Gallego’s allegedly scandalous personal life and romantic relationship in an effort to sway voters as he campaigns for the open Senate seat, as Breitbart reports.

The ad, released on Friday, claims that Gallego "dumped his wife" while she was heavily pregnant.  The claim follows similar conservative attacks that have focused on Gallego's divorce and relationship with his current wife, Sydney Barron, a Washington lobbyist.

Barron and Gallego began dating in 2019, the same year Gallego supported legislation that aligned with her lobbying interests.

Gallego’s Divorce and Political Criticism

This attack is not new. Gallego’s divorce has been a recurring point of criticism, especially from conservative groups. In January, the Washington Free Beacon, a conservative news outlet, filed a motion to unseal Gallego’s divorce records, a request that has fueled ongoing scrutiny of his personal life. While Arizona courts generally allow public access to such records, the entire docket in Gallego’s divorce case remains sealed.

The ad references this secrecy, with the narrator urging Gallego to release his divorce records, saying, “Tell Ruben to stop blocking the release of his divorce files.”

Gallego has responded to questions about his divorce, attributing it to the personal struggles he faced due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his service in Iraq. In a March interview with the Washington Post, he discussed how PTSD led to emotional instability, substance abuse, and other challenges during his marriage.

Gallego’s Relationship with Lobbyists Under Fire

Conservative PACs have been quick to link Gallego’s personal life to his political decisions. The latest ad from Win It Back PAC draws attention to his votes in Congress, alleging that Gallego has been influenced by lobbyists, including his own wife.

While Gallego has previously stated he would not be influenced by lobbyists if elected to the Senate, records show he has supported 38 bills that his wife advocated for in her lobbying efforts. One notable example is Gallego’s sponsorship of the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act of 2020, which was endorsed by the National Association of Realtors, a group Barron has lobbied for.

In addition, Gallego co-sponsored the SAFE Banking Act of 2023, another piece of legislation supported by the Realtors. He also voted in favor of a 2019 bill that increased state and local tax deductions, a measure similarly backed by the Realtors. This vote occurred in the same year that Gallego began dating Barron, raising further questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Republican Efforts to Unseal Divorce Records

The push to unseal Gallego’s divorce records has become a major talking point for his critics. In Arizona, court records are typically open to the public, but the Gallego divorce case remains sealed, raising suspicions from opponents.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has previously released ads criticizing Gallego, using similar tactics to portray him as dishonest and ethically compromised. A November 2023 ad from the NRSC mirrored the claims made in the latest Win It Back PAC ad, accusing him of abandoning his pregnant wife and being influenced by his new wife's lobbying interests.

Gallego, however, has publicly defended himself, explaining that his personal struggles during the marriage were linked to his time in the military. He has also reiterated his commitment to not running a campaign driven by lobbyist or special interest money. In a 2023 fundraising email, he emphasized that his campaign would be different from that of fellow Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, saying, “She takes in millions from the wealthiest people in the country but next to nothing from regular folks.”

Gallego’s Voting Record and Lobbyist Influence

Despite Gallego’s claims that he would not be influenced by lobbyists, critics have pointed to his legislative record as evidence of the opposite. His support for bills that align with his wife’s lobbying efforts has drawn particular scrutiny. In addition to the bills supported by the National Association of Realtors, Gallego has also been criticized for his vote on the 2019 state and local tax deduction bill.

While 16 Democrats, including fellow Arizona Rep. Greg Stanton, voted against the bill, Gallego voted in favor. His opponents have framed this vote as an indication of his alignment with lobbyist interests, particularly given his wife’s involvement with the Realtors.

Republican Campaign Strategy Targets Gallego

The Win It Back PAC ad fits into a larger Republican strategy to target Gallego as he runs for Senate. The ad aims to highlight what the PAC sees as contradictions between Gallego’s public statements and his personal actions. By focusing on his divorce and alleged ties to lobbyists, Republicans hope to sway voters in Arizona, a key battleground state in upcoming elections.

Gallego has consistently maintained that he is committed to representing everyday people rather than wealthy donors or lobbyists. However, the repeated attacks on his personal life and voting record suggest that his opponents see this as a vulnerability.

Conclusion: Ongoing Scrutiny as Senate Race Heats Up

As the 2024 Senate race approaches, Rep. Ruben Gallego continues to face scrutiny over his personal and political actions.

The latest ad from the Win It Back PAC highlights ongoing conservative efforts to portray him as someone whose political decisions are influenced by his relationship with a Washington lobbyist.

With divorce records still sealed and his voting record under examination, Gallego’s ability to navigate these attacks will be crucial as he seeks to win over Arizona voters.