Democrat Congressional candidate Rebecca Cooke says she has donated Eric Swalwell’s $5,000 donation to several charities in the wake of sexual assault revelations that forced him from the California governor’s race.
Democrat congressional candidate Rebecca Cooke is distancing herself from California Rep. Eric Swalwell after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against the longtime Democrat.
Cooke, who is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, announced she no longer recognizes Swalwell’s endorsement of her campaign. She said she will donate his campaign contributions to five food and shelter charities serving western Wisconsin families strained by rising costs.
“I’m appalled by the allegations about Eric Swalwell and proud of these women for their courage to come forward,” Cooke said in a statement posted on X. “I no longer acknowledge the Congressman’s endorsement and will be donating his campaign contributions to five charities across western Wisconsin providing food and shelter to Wisconsinites in need as prices continue to squeeze families across Wisconsin.”
Cooke, a longtime Democrat political operative, is making her third bid for the seat after narrow losses in prior cycles. Swalwell had endorsed her earlier in the race.
The move comes as Democrats nationally face renewed scrutiny over past associations amid fresh accusations against prominent party members. Republicans have highlighted what they call a pattern of tolerance for misconduct within Democratic circles, contrasting it with demands for swift accountability.
Cooke’s campaign did not immediately respond to questions about the timing or whether she was aware of prior controversies involving Swalwell.
