Amidst a storm of sexual scandals, two former lawmakers from Capitol Hill have made their exits, yet they leave behind a significant financial cushion. This week, California Democrat Eric Swalwell, who recently pulled out of the gubernatorial race in the Golden State and resigned from his congressional seat, departs with a substantial sum still in his campaign war chest.
Swalwell’s campaign funds amount to over $288,600, while his leadership PAC, Remedy PAC, holds an additional $32,000 as of the end of February. His campaign for the California gubernatorial primary had amassed more than $7.2 million, although state regulations will dictate how these funds can be utilized moving forward.
Given Swalwell’s withdrawal from the race before the June primary, any contributions designated for the general election must be refunded, which could significantly diminish his campaign’s financial resources. Meanwhile, the money raised for the primary affords him several options, including the possibility of settling campaign debts, donating to charity, or transferring funds to other candidates or party committees.
California law dictates that any remaining funds 90 days post-election are classified as ‘surplus funds.’ These can be employed for covering legal expenses arising directly from a candidate’s or elected officer’s official activities or status, providing Swalwell with a potential avenue to address any legal issues stemming from his political career.
Swalwell’s options for the primary money includes paying down campaign debts, donating it to charity, or transferring it to other candidates or party committees.
Any funds remaining 90 days after his elections become classed as ‘surplus funds’ and can even be used for legal fees that ‘arises directly out of a candidate’s or elected officer’s activities, duties, or status as a candidate or elected officer.’
Given the fact that Swalwell is facing litigation in both California and New York, his legal team could walk away with a big chunk of campaign cash.
Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican who resigned after the Daily Mail exposed a sex scandal involving his former staffer, leaves with more than $327,000 still in his campaign war chest at the end of March, according to his latest Federal Election Commission filing.
Eric Swalwell on the campaign trail for California governor — a race he abandoned last weekend before resigning from Congress Tuesday amid mounting sexual misconduct allegations.
One of the at least five women who have accused Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct breaks down in tears as she speaks out publicly against the now-disgraced former congressman
Texas Republican Tony Gonzales strides through the Capitol. He quit Congress after being exposed for an affair with a married staffer who later took her own life.
His Honor Courage Commitment leadership PAC held over $208,000 as of late February.
What happens next to those dollars is typically up to the former members, but the federal law notes that funds can’t be spent on personal expenses.
Both members are also presently eligible to receive their congressional pensions after serving on Capitol Hill for over 5 years. If they had faced explusion, they would not have been able to collect the windfall.
At least five women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including rape, sexual assault, and unsolicited messages and photographs.
Gonzales announced on Monday he would also step down, after the Daily Mail exposed a sex scandal involving his staffer, who later set herself on fire, resulting in her death.
Writing on X before announcing his departure, Gonzales – who had already dropped his bid for re-election said: ‘There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.’
He had an affair with married aide Regina Aviles, initially denying it before admitting the relationship last month. She took her own life last September. Gonzales called it a ‘mistake’ and a ‘lapse in judgment,’ adding: ‘I take full responsibility for those actions. Since then, I have reconciled with my wife, Angel. I’ve asked God to forgive me, which he has. And my faith is as strong as ever.’
Both Republican Anna Paulina Luna and Democratic Women’s Caucus chairwoman Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico had called on Swalwell and Gonzales to resign or face an expulsion vote.
Representative Lauren Boebert and Senator Josh Hawley have separately announced plans to introduce legislation barring lawmakers who resign after sexual assault accusations from collecting their congressional pensions.
In a text to the Washington Examiner, Boebert said she is ‘working on bipartisan legislation to state that Members who are convicted of any felony or crimes for an offense committed while in office… are prohibited from receiving their pensions.’
Neither Swalwell and Gonzales have been charged with any crimes.
Boebert added that those who violate House Rule 18 – which prohibits members from engaging in sexual relationships with staff under their supervision – would also forfeit their pension rights.
Hawley told Fox News host Jesse Watters on Wednesday that his bill ‘would deny pensions to every member of Congress who’s convicted of a sex offense. Right now, you could be convicted and still get your pension,’ he said. ‘The only thing the government oughta be paying for for people like Eric Swalwell is a jail cell.’
Another interesting tidbit from Swalwell’s campaign finance records is the former existence of a joint fundraising committee, the ‘Swallego Victory Fund’, which was shared by Swalwell and Arizona’s current junior senator, Ruben Gallego.
The PAC was disbanded earlier in the 2025-2026 electoral cycle, per FEC records. The PAC raised and spent just over $55,000 in the 2023-204 cycle.
Swalwell’s campaign records additionally reveal that he spent $2,500 on child care in the first quarter of 2026, per FEC records, as first reported by NOTUS.
