Rob Reiner donated $10K to Eric Swalwell 6 days before his death in final Dem act

Records indicated Rob Reiner also gave the money roughly two and a half weeks after Eric Swalwell launched his candidacy on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'
UPDATED JAN 14, 2026
Rob Reiner made one of his last political moves as an outspoken Democrat by giving $10K to Rep Eric Swalwell (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)
Rob Reiner made one of his last political moves as an outspoken Democrat by giving $10K to Rep Eric Swalwell (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: New campaign records have revealed one of Rob Reiner's final political acts: a $10,000 donation to Democratic Rep Eric Swalwell’s California gubernatorial campaign, highlighting how deeply committed Reiner remained to Democratic politics until the very end of his life.

The contribution made on Dec 8 came just six days before Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead inside their Los Angeles mansion.

Rob Reiber and Michele Singer Reiner attends the 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner at Washington Hilton on April 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Rob Reiber and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead at their Los Angeles residence (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Authorities have alleged the couple was killed by their son, Nick Reiner. The donation only became publicly visible after Reiner’s death, drawing renewed attention to his role as one of Hollywood’s most outspoken Democratic activists.

Nick Reiner attends AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios In New York on May 4, 2016 in New York City. (Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic)
Nick Reiner attends AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios In New York on May 4, 2016 in New York City (Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic)

Donation surfaces after Rob Reiner’s death

Campaign records show Reiner made the five-figure donation shortly after Swalwell announced his bid for California governor during an appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'.

The timing of the contribution has framed it as one of the director’s final public expressions of political allegiance.

Reiner’s donation placed him among a circle of celebrity supporters backing Swalwell’s campaign.

Other high-profile donors include actors Sean Penn and Robert De Niro, reflecting the congressman’s strong appeal among Hollywood’s liberal elite.

Following the discovery of the Reiners’ bodies, Swalwell posted a public tribute mourning the couple and praising their patriotism.

“Politicians always boast about how much they love this country,” Swalwell wrote.

“Few people I know loved this country more, rooted for it harder than my friends Rob and Michele Reiner.”

The post did not mention the campaign donation but highlighted the personal connection between the trio.



Rob Reiner’s long record as unapologetic Democrat

Reiner, best known for directing films such as 'Stand by Me' and 'When Harry Met Sally', had long embraced a public role as a staunch Democrat and vocal critic of Republicans, particularly President Donald Trump.

Over the years, Reiner frequently used interviews and social media to promote Democratic causes and attack conservative policies.

He acknowledged that his political activism alienated some audiences but insisted he would not temper his views for the sake of public approval.

In a 2019 interview, Reiner openly discussed the backlash he faced for his politics, saying he was well aware that his views made him “toxic” to some Americans.

GettyImages-2252630060
Rob Reiner's death came as a shock, with many prominent personalities paying tribute to the icon (Getty Images)

Swalwell’s campaign and political baggage

Swalwell has become a prominent figure within Democratic circles but remains controversial nationally.

Congressional records show that he missed more House votes than any other sitting member last year, a period during which he was actively courting donors and support for his gubernatorial ambitions.

Despite criticism, Swalwell has continued to attract financial backing from wealthy donors and entertainment industry figures.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - APRIL 09: Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who announced that he is running for preside
Eric Swalwell frequently attracted criticism from conservative circles, but continued to remain star-approved among Democrats (Getty Images)

His campaign has emphasized progressive priorities, while critics argue his national profile has often taken precedence over legislative responsibilities.

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