As the search for his replacement intensifies, former Representative Eric Swalwell is facing pressure from federal regulators. They are demanding that he repay over $30,000 in general election donations or risk an audit and further enforcement actions.
In a letter dated June 15, the Federal Election Commission stated that Swalwell, who is no longer running for office, must return these funds. It’s interesting to note, I guess, how quickly these things escalate.
This situation adds to the mounting challenges Swalwell faces amid ongoing financial and personal conflicts.
Meanwhile, voters in the San Francisco Bay Area’s 14th Congressional District, a seat once held by Swalwell, cast their ballots Tuesday night in a special election to find his successor.
The district includes East Bay cities like Fremont, Hayward, and Livermore. As of Tuesday night, 80% of the votes were counted. Aisha Wahab, a Democrat, was leading with 42.6%, but she didn’t hit the 50% mark needed to secure the seat outright, which is something that seems to happen often in these races.
In second place was Melissa Hernandez with 16.8% (17,619 votes), and Rakhi Israni Singh followed closely at 13.3% (13,946 votes). Both are also Democrats, which is typical for this heavily left-leaning district.
The top two candidates will proceed to a runoff on August 18th.
This special election occurs as Swalwell is under intense scrutiny since stepping down from Congress and halting his bid for governor of California. The FEC has given him until July 20 to address the campaign funds issue, and failing to comply could lead to an audit or additional penalties.
The FEC notes that donations from the general election cannot be retained once a candidate withdraws from the race and must be returned appropriately.
Swalwell’s issues are compounded by significant campaign expenditures, including payments approximating $38,807 for services from a transportation and security firm, just in the weeks before he suspended his campaign. Legal fees have also piled up, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars, as he faces ongoing investigations related to various misconduct allegations.
Additionally, there are various allegations involving his personal conduct—concerns that have surfaced regarding inappropriate interactions and private communications.
Interestingly, former colleagues have likened him to a “Jekyll and Hyde” figure, speculating on the discrepancy between his public persona and private behavior.
He is also contending with serious allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women, including accusations of sexual assault and rape. Yet, as of now, he has not been formally charged with any crime.
The situation first came to light in April 2026, prompting him to withdraw his candidacy for governor and resign from Congress. There is currently no trial date set, and he has not received formal charges. Authorities in Manhattan and Los Angeles are reportedly reviewing evidence and interviewing accusers.
