Disgraced US Lawmakers Depart with Millions in Campaign Funds Amid Scandals
Two former Capitol Hill lawmakers, who resigned this week amidst mounting sexual misconduct scandals, are exiting with significant sums of campaign cash and eligibility for congressional pensions. California Democrat Eric Swalwell and Texas Republican Tony Gonzales stepped down following allegations that have rocked their political careers, yet they retain financial benefits accrued during their tenure.
Substantial Campaign Coffers Remain
Eric Swalwell, who withdrew from California's gubernatorial race last weekend and resigned from Congress on Tuesday, leaves with over $288,600 in his campaign account. His leadership PAC, Remedy PAC, held an additional $32,000 as of late February. For his state-level gubernatorial primary, Swalwell amassed more than $7.2 million, though California regulations complicate its use. Funds earmarked for the general election must be returned since he exited before the June primary, potentially reducing that total significantly.
Swalwell's options for the primary money include paying down campaign debts, donating to charity, or transferring it to other candidates or party committees. Any funds remaining 90 days after his elections become classified as 'surplus funds' and can be used for legal fees related to his activities as a candidate or elected officer. Given ongoing litigation in California and New York, his legal team could access a large portion of this cash.
Tony Gonzales, who resigned after the Daily Mail exposed a sex scandal involving a former staffer, retains over $327,000 in his campaign war chest as of March, according to Federal Election Commission filings. His leadership PAC, Honor Courage Commitment, held more than $208,000 in late February. Federal law prohibits spending these funds on personal expenses, leaving decisions typically to the former members.
Pension Eligibility and Reform Efforts
Both Swalwell and Gonzales are eligible for congressional pensions after serving over five years on Capitol Hill. Had they faced expulsion, they would have forfeited this windfall. At least five women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including rape and assault, while Gonzales admitted to an affair with a married aide who later died by suicide.
In response, lawmakers are pushing for reforms. Representative Lauren Boebert and Senator Josh Hawley have announced plans to introduce legislation barring lawmakers who resign after sexual assault accusations from collecting pensions. Boebert stated she is working on bipartisan legislation to prohibit pensions for members convicted of felonies or crimes committed in office, including violations of House Rule 18, which bans sexual relationships with supervised staff. Hawley emphasized that his bill would deny pensions to those convicted of sex offenses, arguing that such individuals deserve jail cells, not government payouts.
Additional Financial Details
Swalwell's campaign finance records reveal the former existence of a joint fundraising committee, the 'Swallego Victory Fund', shared with Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego. Disbanded earlier in the 2025-2026 electoral cycle, it raised and spent just over $55,000 in the 2023-2024 cycle. Additionally, Swalwell spent $2,500 on childcare in the first quarter of 2026, as reported by NOTUS.
Gonzales announced his departure on X, citing faith and a new season in life, after dropping his re-election bid. He called the affair a 'mistake' and expressed reconciliation with his wife. Both Republican Anna Paulina Luna and Democratic Women's Caucus chairwoman Teresa Leger Fernandez had called for their resignations or expulsion votes.
Neither Swalwell nor Gonzales have been charged with crimes, but the scandals have sparked debates over accountability and financial ethics in Congress.
