In the aftermath of Representative Eric Swalwell’s resignation from Congress, California Governor Gavin Newsom is rallying his supporters, urging them to contribute $35 each to his political action committee. This request comes as Swalwell, a Democrat, vacated his position on Tuesday amid allegations of rape by a former female staffer, with additional claims of sexual harassment from three other women.
The resignation has prompted a special election for California’s 14th District, a seat previously held by Swalwell, which will take place on August 18. In response to this political shift, Governor Newsom sent out a fundraising email on Wednesday, specifically addressing the situation. The email highlighted the urgent need for representation in the House and the critical nature of filling the vacancy swiftly to maintain the Democratic presence against a slim Republican majority in Congress.
“The people of California’s 14th District deserve representation in the House as soon as possible,” Newsom stated, emphasizing his intention not to provide House Speaker Mike Johnson with any additional advantage by leaving the seat unfilled.
The call for donations was directed towards the Campaign for Democracy PAC, a political action committee aligned with Newsom’s efforts, as reported by the New York Post. The governor’s appeal aims to galvanize fellow Democrats in light of the unfolding political circumstances.
Before these allegations surfaced, Swalwell had been a prominent figure in the gubernatorial primary, quickly establishing himself as a leading contender amidst a competitive field. However, his abrupt departure has reshaped the political landscape, necessitating swift action and support from Democratic allies.
Prior to the accusations against Swalwell, he was running in the gubernatorial primary and was quickly emerging as a front-runner in a crowded field.
Newsom had been silent about the sexual misconduct allegations until Sunday, hours before Swalwell withdrew from the California governor’s race.
‘As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously,’ Newsom said in a statement.
California Governor Gavin Newsom sent out a fundraising email in the wake of Eric Swalwell resigning from Congress over the sexual misconduct allegations. He asked fellow Democrats to send $35 each to his own political action committee (Newsom is pictured with wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom at White House dinner for the nation’s governors on February 24, 2024)
Swalwell has been accused by five different women of varying levels of misconduct, ranging from harassment to rape. He strongly denies the allegations against him
Newsom’s wife, gender activist and actress Jennifer Siebel Newsom, has not said anything publicly about the accusations against Swalwell.
Earlier this month, she implied that President Donald Trump was sexist because the two most prominent people he has fired so far – former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Attorney General Pam Bondi – were women.
Before Swalwell dropped out, Newsom refused to endorse anyone in the race to succeed him. He still does not plan to do so.
‘California has always benefited from a depth of talent and vision within our Democratic Party, and this upcoming race for governor is no exception,’ Newsom told the Post in a statement.
‘The field represents a diverse group of leaders who are deeply committed to continuing our state’s progress, and I have full confidence that voters will choose a candidate who reflects the values and direction Californians believe in,’ he added.
Privately, Newsom has commented on some of the candidates. According to CNN, he has said billionaire Tom Steyer would be too wishy-washy ideologically and believes former Rep. Katie Porter could cause a private sector contraction in California.
Swalwell, no longer a congressman or an actively running politician, has strongly denied the allegations against him and plans to fight them in court if necessary.
He is facing at least three different probes into his alleged conduct with women. A source confirmed to The Hill on Thursday that the Department of Justice has opened an investigation.
Pictured: Swalwell at a campaign stop part of his bid to be California’s next governor on April 7, 2026. Three days later, the San Francisco Chronicle published an account of a former staffer who said Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice
Jeanine Pirro, the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, set up a tip line to solicit information about allegations against Swalwell.
‘If you hear about someone who was allegedly drugging, choking, raping victims, who has lived in this district for a significant period of time, I would expect there would be victims who might have information,’ Pirro said in a video posted to X.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is investigating the allegation that Swalwell drugged and raped a former staffer of his after a charity gala in New York City.
And after a fifth woman, Lonna Drewes, came forward to accuse Swalwell of raping her in a West Hollywood hotel in July 2018, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed it is investigating the report.
