Swalwell’s Misconduct and Assault Allegations Shake Up California Gubernatorial Race
Congressman Eric Swalwell is embroiled in serious allegations of sexual misconduct, including claims of rape, which are casting a significant shadow over the California gubernatorial race. With the pressure escalating, prominent Democratic figures such as Nancy Pelosi are calling on Swalwell to step down from the race. Additionally, former Chairman Kevin McCarthy has brought attention to Swalwell’s previous associations with Chinese spies.
Swalwell, a California Democrat, faces charges related to immigration and employment laws regarding the hiring of a live-in nanny in the U.S. Allegations claim he paid this nanny using campaign funds, even though she lacked a valid work permit, based on two indictments filed recently.
A complaint filed with the Department of Labor earlier this week suggests that Swalwell and his wife, Brittany, deceived babysitter Amanda Barbosa to maintain her position. A separate complaint submitted to the Department of Homeland Security in February by California filmmaker and political activist Joel Gilbert accuses Swalwell of making campaign payments to the nanny for nearly two years without the necessary work authorization.
According to the Homeland Security complaint, photographs from social media featuring Barbosa with the Swalwell family in 2023 and 2024 highlight a close relationship and ongoing childcare responsibilities, despite her lack of legal permission to work.
Barbosa originally moved to the U.S. from Brazil on an au pair visa and started working for Swalwell during his 2021 gubernatorial campaign. Reports indicate she received $3,914 in campaign contributions in 2021 and $46,930 in 2022, as per Federal Election Commission records. Swalwell initiated sponsorship for her green card in December 2022 as her visa was nearing expiration, based on a reviewed labor certification application.
Despite Barbosa later enrolling in community college, her student visa did not permit her to work off-campus. Nonetheless, social media posts seem to show her participating in family events with Swalwell’s children during 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, records examined suggest Swalwell was reimbursed $52,262 for “child care” expenses in campaign funds, which the complaint claims was a means to keep Barbosa employed illegally.
More allegations surfaced as Swalwell is also facing accusations of sexual assault from a former staffer, with three additional women coming forward with similar claims. Swalwell has firmly denied all allegations and faces continued calls to withdraw his gubernatorial candidacy.
In response to the evolving situation, Swalwell has stated, “So much has been said about me today by anonymous accusations, but I thought it was important for you to see me and hear it in person. The sexual assault allegations are completely false,” promising to fight back against these claims. Fox News Digital has sought comments from Swalwell’s Congressional office, as well as relevant departments for additional context.
