Newsom Fundraises Off Swalwell Resignation Amid Sexual Misconduct Fallout

California Governor Gavin Newsom sent a fundraising email shortly after former Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations including rape accusations, urging donors to help Democrats quickly reclaim the seat rather than addressing the underlying conduct. The blast drew immediate criticism for monetizing a scandal that forced the party's resignations of multiple members in the broader Epstein-era fallout. The move signals how Democratic leadership is treating the wave of misconduct resignations as an electoral logistics problem rather than a moment for introspection, a stance that could backfire in the upcoming special elections.