Gov. Gavin Newsom has stayed curiously mum about the Eric Swalwell rape claims that rocked California politics — but used the disgraced former congressman’s resignation to hit up donors for cash.
The governor’s sole comment about the horrifying claims against Swalwell was a terse statement Sunday calling the reports “deeply troubling.” But on Wednesday, he appeared to exploit the scandal by asking donors for $35 each to pad his political war chest.
“I wanted to send you a brief update on what happens now that Eric Swalwell has resigned his seat in Congress,” Newsom wrote in email, before mentioning the special election he called for Aug. 18 to fill the seat.
“The people of California’s 14th District deserve representation in the House as soon as possible, and with a very slim Republican majority in Congress I was not going to give Mike Johnson even a single extra day before filling this seat,” the note continued.
The email begged “fellow Democrats” to “not click away just yet” — asking for donations of $35 each to a PAC burnishing Newsom’s national profile.
The PAC, called Campaign for Democracy, has been at the center of attention-grabbing stunts like Newsom’s sale of “kneepads” and other anti-Trump merch.
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The California governor has stubbornly refused to make an endorsement on the race to succeed him as he plots a White House bid, releasing a memoir called “Young Man in a Hurry” and traveling to Democratic early primary states as part of a high-profile book tour.
“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 Thursday.
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“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 said.
Newsom has privately thrown shade on some of his potential successors, calling billionaire Tom Steyer chaotic and former Rep. Katie Porter hostile to business, per a CNN report.
Newsom’s wife, gender activist Jennifer Siebel Newsom who called out the Trump administration for sexism this month, has likewise said nothing about the disturbing sexual abuse allegations against Swalwell.
The disgraced former congressman is facing multiple investigations related to his alleged conduct with women.
The Department of Justice has launched a tip line asking for information about Swalwell’s alleged sex crimes and the Manhattan District Attorney launched a criminal probe of an alleged 2024 rape of a former staffer after a New York charity gala.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is investigating a separate allegation that Swalwell drugged and raped a woman, Loanna Drewes, at an LA hotel in 2018.
