Hundreds of individuals who collectively donated $1.5 million to Eric Swalwell's campaign for California governor are demanding their money back after the congressman faced multiple sexual assault allegations, according to internal campaign documents.
Donor Outrage
More than 200 donors have requested refunds since the allegations emerged, with campaign staffers reportedly inundated with emails from 'incensed' contributors. One donor, Mike Hsieh, told the San Francisco Chronicle he gave $250 in early February and has been unable to recoup the funds. Hsieh contacted both the Swalwell campaign and Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue, but was directed to a general campaign email address. After learning Swalwell paid a lawyer $40,000 to counter the allegations on television, Hsieh expressed further frustration, calling the situation 'unjust' and potentially illegal.
Campaign staffers responded to Hsieh, stating they were not authorized to issue refunds. 'We apologize, as this is not the update we were hoping to provide,' they wrote. 'If it were up to me and my former colleagues, refunds would be the top priority.'
Allegations and Campaign Collapse
Swalwell, 45, was a leading Democratic candidate to replace Gavin Newsom as governor of California. His campaign imploded after the first allegation was published on April 10 by the San Francisco Chronicle. A former employee accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her in 2019 and again in 2024, claiming she was too intoxicated to consent. At least four additional women have since come forward with accusations of rape, sexual assault, and unsolicited messages.
Three women have spoken on the record: Lonna Drewes, Ally Sammarco, and Annika Albrecht. Drewes alleged Swalwell drugged and choked her during a 2018 assault, causing her to lose consciousness. Sammarco said she received unsolicited nude photos on Snapchat after discussing politics with him on X. Albrecht reported receiving 'sexually inappropriate' messages on the same platform. 'Justice won't be until he can't ever harm a woman again,' Albrecht told CBS News.
Swalwell denied the allegations in a social media post on April 12, announcing his resignation from the race. 'I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made - but that's my fight, not a campaign's,' he wrote. His attorney, Sara Azari, released a statement 'categorically and unequivocally' denying each allegation.
Financial Concerns
Swalwell appears to be in significant debt, reportedly relying on campaign funds to cover mounting legal fees. The Daily Mail also revealed he used previous campaign funds for a luxury vacation to Puerto Rico in 2021 with now-Senator Ruben Gallego. Swalwell has been married to Brittany Watts since 2016, and they have three children.
The Daily Mail has contacted Azari and the Swalwell campaign for comment on the refund requests.
