Eric Swalwell pocketed $100K from PG&E as it jacked up rates
Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, is facing scrutiny for accepting campaign donations from PG&E, the state’s largest utility provider. Despite his promises to crack down on utilities and lower energy costs for Californians, Swalwell has received over $113,000 in contributions from PG&E employees through his congressional campaign and PAC.
PG&E has come under fire for hiking rates by 101% over a decade and facing felony convictions related to catastrophic events like the Camp Fire in 2018, which killed 85 people and destroyed Paradise, California. Despite these controversies, Swalwell has continued to accept contributions from the utility company.
On the campaign trail, Swalwell has pledged to hold utilities accountable and address the high energy costs facing Californians. He has emphasized the need for utilities to play a role in combating the climate crisis and ensuring fair treatment of communities.
However, critics have raised concerns about Swalwell’s ties to PG&E and other special interest groups. Billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, another Democratic candidate for governor, has accused Swalwell of making promises in exchange for campaign donations and has vowed to reduce utility rates by 25% by challenging monopolies like PG&E.
California residents have experienced a 39% increase in electricity bills over the past six years, partly due to devastating wildfires in the state. PG&E has multiple pending rate hike requests, but the company claims that residential electric rates will decrease overall in the coming years.
Despite the controversy surrounding Swalwell’s campaign donations, recent polls show him leading among Democratic candidates. However, two Republican candidates, including former Fox News host Steve Hilton and ex-Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, are also gaining traction in the race.
With the California primary approaching, there is concern among Democrats that disengaged voters could lead to two conservative Republicans advancing to the general election in November. California’s nonpartisan primary system means that the top two vote-getters will move on to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
As the race for California governor heats up, the issue of campaign finance and ties to special interest groups like PG&E continues to be a point of contention for candidates like Eric Swalwell. Voters will have to weigh these factors when deciding who to support in the upcoming election.
