Democratic incumbents and hopefuls for the House and Senate are now under pressure from Republicans to return donations they received from Eric Swalwell, a Democratic representative who recently faced serious sexual assault allegations and subsequently withdrew from the California gubernatorial race and resigned from Congress.
Swalwell’s campaign took a hit on Friday after multiple accusations of sexual misconduct surfaced, prompting condemnation from notable Democrats, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Adam Schiff.
A number of Democrats, over a dozen, have already returned funds linked to Swalwell, according to reports. This group includes candidates in important races for the House and Senate, such as Roy Cooper from North Carolina, Angie Craig from Minnesota, and incumbents Dan Goldman and Dave Ming.
Swalwell’s Relief PAC has contributed more than $20,000 to various Democratic candidates and over $170,000 to current members of Congress for the upcoming 2024 cycle. Many recipients are now indicating that they plan to return much, if not all, of this money to charities focused on helping sexual assault survivors.
Representative Josh Riley from New York, perceived as a potentially vulnerable incumbent, is set to return the $3,000 he received from Swalwell by donating $1,000 each to three local charities that assist women and survivors, as confirmed by his spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Republicans are criticizing those Democrats who have not yet returned Swalwell’s contributions. Mike Marinella of the National Republican Congressional Committee remarked that accountability seems to vanish quickly when the Democrats are involved, suggesting that all at-risk House Democrats should either return these funds or face the consequences of their choices.
Criticism from Republicans also emphasizes the delays in returning funds despite rumors regarding Swalwell’s behavior in recent weeks.
Some Democrats are pushing back against accusations that they accept funds from tainted sources, namely a Republican representative who recently resigned after admitting to an affair linked to a tragic situation involving a staffer.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has also called out Republicans for their past fundraising activities, expressing disappointment in the inconsistencies regarding accountability.
Fox News Digital has reached out to various Democratic lawmakers for comments on the matter but noted that many had not responded publicly as of Tuesday morning.
Representative Tom Suozzi, who has received $2,000 from Swalwell’s PAC this year, is running for re-election in a notably competitive district in New York, but still has not commented on the donations.
Mary Peltola of Alaska, who is in a crucial Senate race, has previously received $8,000 from a relevant PAC and plans to return this money. Her spokesperson stated that while the current campaign hasn’t involved Swalwell, past donations would go to charities benefiting victims of domestic violence.
Democratic progressive Ammar Campa-Najjar, running for Congress in California, acknowledged receiving $6,000 from Swalwell-related funds but has signaled intentions to donate them to charity as well.
Swalwell announced his resignation on Monday amidst mounting calls for accountability, emphasizing that while he denies the charges against him, he is taking responsibility for his past mistakes.
The House Ethics Committee revealed it is looking into accusations against Swalwell concerning alleged sexual misconduct involving a subordinate.
