Eric Swalwell’s Post-Scandal $190K Fundraising Boom: Unraveling the Controversy and Implications

Despite facing serious allegations of rape and sexual assault, major political figures continued to financially support Eric Swalwell as his political career rapidly unraveled. The Post has uncovered that these contributions persisted even as the former congressman resigned from his position and suspended his campaign for governor.

Recent campaign finance reports reveal that Swalwell appointed himself as treasurer for his now-defunct gubernatorial campaign. This move granted him complete control over a substantial $4 million fund. Remarkably, even after his alleged misconduct became public knowledge, Swalwell actively sought and acquired over $190,000 in donations, undeterred by the multiple accusations against him.

Among those who contributed were influential labor unions, special interest Political Action Committees (PACs), and a notable ally of Governor Gavin Newsom. This ally, who serves on the High-Speed Rail Authority board of directors, was among those who seemed unfazed by the allegations.

According to campaign finance documents, Swalwell received several significant contributions shortly after the accusations surfaced on April 10. On April 13, California Dairies Inc., Greater Anesthesia Service and PAC, UFCW Western States Council, and real estate developer Jeff Worthe—who was appointed to Newsom’s high-speed rail board—each provided $39,200. Additionally, Sutter East Bay Medical Group contributed $30,000, and the PAC of law firm DLA Piper added $5,000. On the very day the allegations came to light, San Francisco arts philanthropist Kay Kimpton donated $5,000.

Swalwell has consistently denied any criminal wrongdoing since the accusations were made public, maintaining his innocence as the financial backing from various supporters continues to come in.

Also on April 13, Sutter East Bay Medical Group gave $30,000 while DLA Piper’s PAC gave $5,000. San Francisco arts philanthropist Kay Kimpton dropped in $5,000 on April 10, the same day allegations broke.

The shameless pol’s cash grab included a text blast sent at 11 a.m. on April 10 — just hours before the San Francisco Chronicle published horrifying allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer while she was too intoxicated to consent.

The campaign was already aware of the allegations, per reports. (CNN would report more allegations from several women later in the day.)

Swalwell claimed in the text that “MAGA allies” were trying to “end my political future because they know I’m the only one who can take down this corrupt administration.”

“While Kash Patel tries to get revenge on me for going after Trump, I’m fighting for the same things I always have: truth, accountability and justice,” Swalwell wrote in the desperate text.

He added, “Unlike them, I have nothing to hide.”

Swalwell ended up hiding out that same night in the palatial Beverly Hills mansion of billionaire benefactor Stephen Cloobeck, who would end up kicking out the shamed politician.

“I was with my counsel, and we had a chat with him. I just told him: ‘You busted the trust,’” Cloobeck told The Post.

He added that he said to Swalwell: “I’m shocked, I’m disturbed and get the f—k out of here.” 

Swalwell’s movements have been a mystery in the days since the scandal broke, as his congressional and campaign staffers turned their backs on him en masse. 

Meanwhile, his wife and children were recently spotted vacationing in the hyper-exclusive El Dorado Beach Club — a members-only club where Swalwell’s estranged billionaire backer Cloobeck has a $45 million villa.

Campaign records show Swalwell, who did not respond to a request for comment, quickly pulled back on travel in the immediate aftermath of the April 10 allegations, canceling flights and recouping at least $4,643.07 in refunds over three days. 

The campaign received more than $2,000 back from Delta Air Lines on April 10, followed by multiple reimbursements totaling $2,560 from United Airlines and $246.47 from Expedia on April 13 — all listed as payments for “services not provided.”

Juanita Kizor, an Orinda resident who gave $500 to Swalwell’s campaign just hours before the scandal broke, told The Post she has been a supporter in recent years but is now frustrated after writing a letter to the campaign asking for her money to be returned.

“It’s quite disappointing, because he did such a great job on the [Trump] impeachment hearings,” Kizor said.

“I think he’s talented and had a bright future, and it’s gotta be devastating for his family and him — but there’s no going back.”

“He did not act with integrity at all.” 

A shellshocked Kathy Griffin — one of many Hollywood donors who showered Swalwell with cash — said on her podcast she clawed back her $10,000 donation to his campaign and donated it to a progressive media organization.

“I’m very proud I was able to get the donation back from Swalwell-world,” the comedienne shared on her podcast, “Talk Your Head off.”

Swalwell processed $53,685 in refunds to donors in the first three and a half months of 2026 while bringing in more than $5.5 million, according to campaign records.

Swalwell is now the focus of criminal investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and district attorneys in Los Angeles and Manhattan.

Swalwell could soon be drowning in legal problems, Paul Kamenar, an attorney with the National Legal and Policy Center, told The Post in an interview this month.

Civil lawsuits could follow the criminal probes into Swalwell’s alleged misdeeds, Kamenar explained. Campaign records showed a $40,000 payout to pitbull attorney Sara Azari, who defended Swalwell on television after the reports of sexual abuse were made by several women, including former staffers.

The Department of Justice is also investigating Swalwell as scrutiny grows over his use of campaign funds for partying, childcare and hotel rooms — where at least one sexual assault was alleged to have occurred.

“He’s not out of the woods by any means,” Kamenar said.

Azari’s firm retained the services of another firm that brought on a private investigator to contact one of Swalwell’s former staffers, according to a report by NOTUS.

A campaign and election law attorney, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told The Post that Swalwell’s continued spending could come with its own legal and monetary risks if not properly reported.

“You can’t hide controversial expenses by running them through somebody else,” the attorney said. “If the private investigator was paid by the law firm [Swalwell hired], then that PI needs to show up on the report.”

The source said Swalwell’s campaign will likely focus its spending on legal fees going forward, as he could face criminal charges or civil lawsuits as a result of the allegations.

“I am 100% certain that is the only thing he is thinking about right now,” the source said.

State law requires the use of campaign funds for attorney fees to be directly related to a person’s status as an elected official or candidate. But any spending on lawsuits or criminal cases could put Swalwell on the hook to repay the money.

“If you use your campaign funds for sexual harassment, and you end up being found guilty or liable, then you have to repay them,” the source said.

That would be a tough task for Swalwell, who has carried significant debt in recent years, according to federal disclosures. Last year, he reported a mortgage exceeding $1 million, student loan debt as high as $100,000 and about $65,000 in credit card debt with Chase and American Express.