Candidates Grapple with Swalwell's Toxic Endorsements and Donations

Democratic candidates across the country face tough decisions on how to handle money and endorsements from the disgraced former congressman.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:25pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty political campaign office or fundraising event space, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows obscuring much of the room. The scene conveys a sense of melancholy and unease, reflecting the challenges faced by candidates dealing with the fallout from a prominent politician's scandal.The tarnished legacy of a once-rising political star casts a long shadow over the campaigns of those who accepted his support.Orange Today

Former congressman Eric Swalwell's political action committee, the Future Forum PAC, has quietly removed mentions of Swalwell from its website after he was accused of sexually assaulting multiple women. While over 50 Democratic candidates still tout endorsements from the PAC, some are beginning to return or donate the money they received. Others have remained silent on the issue, raising questions about how they will handle Swalwell's toxic political legacy.

Why it matters

Swalwell's fall from grace has put Democratic candidates in a difficult position, forcing them to navigate the fallout from his alleged misconduct and decide whether to keep or distance themselves from his endorsements and donations. This highlights the challenges candidates face in dealing with scandals involving prominent party figures and the need to uphold principles of accountability.

The details

The Future Forum PAC, founded by Swalwell in 2015 to support young Democratic leaders, has scrubbed mentions of the former congressman from its website. However, at least 50 Democratic candidates are still touting endorsements from the PAC. A few candidates, such as Rebecca Cooke in Wisconsin and Dave Min in California, have denounced Swalwell's endorsement and donated the money they received. Others, like JoAnna Mendoza in Arizona, have remained silent on the issue.

  • In 2015, Eric Swalwell founded the Future Forum PAC.
  • In 2026, the Future Forum PAC quietly removed mentions of Swalwell from its website.
  • In April 2026, several Democratic candidates began returning or donating money received from the Future Forum PAC.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A former Democratic congressman from California who founded the Future Forum PAC in 2015 to support young Democratic leaders. Swalwell has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple women, making his political endorsements and donations toxic for many candidates.

Future Forum PAC

A political action committee founded by Eric Swalwell in 2015 to support a younger generation of Democratic leaders. The PAC has recently scrubbed mentions of Swalwell from its website amid the allegations against him.

Rebecca Cooke

A Democratic candidate for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District seat who has denounced Swalwell's endorsement and donated the $1,000 she received from the Future Forum PAC to charity.

Dave Min

A Democratic U.S. Representative from California's 47th district who has donated the $4,000 contribution he received from the Future Forum PAC to a local non-profit that assists survivors of sexual assault.

JoAnna Mendoza

A Democratic candidate in Arizona's congressional race who has remained silent on the issue of Swalwell's endorsement and the $1,000 her campaign received from the Future Forum PAC.

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What they’re saying

“Democrats are pretending to condemn Eric Swalwell while still touting his endorsement and welcoming his money. Democrats are betraying millions of constituents and women by tolerating rape and sexual abuse if they can personally profit.”

— Republican National Committee spokesperson

“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.”

— Dave Min, U.S. Representative, California's 47th district

What’s next

Candidates who have remained silent on the Swalwell issue will likely face increasing pressure to address the situation and decide how to handle the endorsements and donations they have received from the Future Forum PAC.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges Democratic candidates face in dealing with scandals involving prominent party figures. It underscores the need for accountability and the importance of upholding principles of ethics and integrity, even when it means distancing oneself from lucrative political endorsements and donations.