Federal authorities are now probing Rep. Eric Swalwell over allegations tied to his use of campaign funds and employment of a nanny without valid work authorization, opening a new front in a rapidly widening crisis that is no longer confined to misconduct claims.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has referred the allegations to the Department of Homeland Security law enforcement, escalating complaints that Swalwell paid a Brazilian nanny with campaign funds while she lacked authorization to work in the United States. The allegations center on whether payments continued after her work status expired in 2022 and whether those expenses were routed through campaign accounts under childcare designations.
Complaints reviewed by federal agencies allege tens of thousands of dollars were directed toward the nanny through campaign-related expenses, raising questions about whether those payments complied with federal law and campaign finance rules.
“These allegations are serious… No employer, including a member of Congress, is above the law.”
There have been no findings of wrongdoing tied to those complaints, but the referral to federal law enforcement marks a significant escalation, placing Swalwell under scrutiny that extends beyond political fallout and into potential legal exposure.
The federal probe lands as Swalwell is already under investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office over allegations that he sexually assaulted or harassed multiple women, including one who said he attacked her in New York while she was too intoxicated to consent. Additional accounts describe unsolicited explicit messages and unwanted physical contact, broadening the scope of the claims.
Swalwell has denied those allegations in a video posted to social media, attempting to push back amid mounting pressure.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.”
That denial has done little to stabilize his position as political support continues to erode.
Democratic leadership has called the allegations “disturbing” and urged Swalwell to end his gubernatorial campaign, while senior staff in his office said they were “horrified” and emphasized support for the women who came forward.
Two California Democrats have called for his resignation, and members of Congress are now preparing censure and expulsion efforts that would force a direct vote on whether he should remain in office.
“Swalwell must halt his campaign, resign from office, and face the consequences of a full investigation.”
Labor unions have begun pulling endorsements, party leaders are distancing themselves, and lawmakers in both parties are openly weighing whether Swalwell should be removed from Congress as the investigations continue to build. The convergence of a federal probe, a criminal investigation, and mounting bipartisan pressure has fundamentally altered the trajectory of his campaign and his standing in Washington.
Swalwell is still insisting he will fight, but the situation has shifted beyond a single controversy into a layered crisis with legal, political, and electoral consequences closing in at once.
UPDATE: 8:55 PM EST
Congressman Eric Swalwell announced via Twitter/X he was suspending his campaign for Governor.
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