Congressional candidates across the nation will have to navigate what they will do with endorsements and money from disgraced former congressman Eric Swalwell, now considered politically toxic after accusations that he sexually assaulted multiple women.
Swalwell's own political action committee recently scrubbed mentions of him on his website. In 2015, the California Democrat founded the Future Forum PAC, which aims to support a younger generation of Democratic leaders.
A significant part of Swalwell's political reputation was in youth outreach. In his failed 2020 presidential campaign, one of his few standout moments was when he challenged future President Joe Biden to "pass the torch."
The PAC on its "about" page had proudly mentioned Swalwell's role in its founding, according to a screenshot viewed by The California Post. Now, there is no mention. The Post reached out to the PAC for comment.
At least 50 Democratic candidates are still touting endorsements from the PAC, though a few are beginning to return money from the committee. Others have stayed silent on the Swalwell news.
"Democrats are pretending to condemn Eric Swalwell while still touting his endorsement and welcoming his money," a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee said in a statement. "Democrats are betraying millions of constituents and women by tolerating rape and sexual abuse if they can personally profit."
Rebecca Cooke, a congressional candidate in Wisconsin, renounced Swalwell's endorsement. She "was appalled" by the allegations, she said, and will donate the $1,000 she received from the PAC this election cycle to food and shelter charities.
In Swalwell's own California delegation, U.S. Rep. Dave Min said Monday he only just discovered money from Swalwell, including the PAC's $4,000 contribution to his reelection campaign.
"Given the seriousness of the allegations made against him, I am not comfortable with this, so I have donated this contribution to Waymakers, an Orange County non-profit that assists survivors of sexual assault,"
he said on X.
California Congressman Derek Tran took $4,500 of the PAC's money and reportedly plans to donate Swalwell's contributions.
Questions linger for candidates who have not said anything regarding Swalwell or the PAC.
Arizona candidate JoAnna Mendoza's website still touts the Future Forum endorsement, and records show a $1,000 amount from the PAC.
She seemingly ignored, when approached, an influencer's questions on what she would do with the money and endorsement in a video posted Tuesday. The Post reached out for comment.
Around a dozen candidates have already pledged to return or donate Swalwell's money, Politico reported. According to campaign finance records, the PAC gave $96,500 to 46 candidates in this election cycle.