FEC Issues Warning to Eric Swalwell’s Campaign

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has informed the campaign of former California Representative Eric Swalwell that it needs to return over $30,000 in general election contributions, or it could face an audit.

In a letter dated June 15, the FEC alerted Swalwell’s campaign treasurer that since he is no longer in the race, the funds for the general election must be refunded to the original donors.

This notice came after a review of the “Swalwell for Congress” 2025 financial report. According to federal regulations, political candidates must keep clear accounting practices that differentiate between primary and general election funds. Campaigns are explicitly prohibited from using general election donations to cover any remaining primary election debts or operating costs.

FEC rules state that candidates who exit a race or choose not to run for re-election are required to refund general election contributions to donors within 60 days following their announcement. The FEC provided an itemized list of donations listed as “G2026,” totaling $30,075, that still need to be addressed.

Failure to respond or correct the filings by the firm deadline of July 20 could lead to a formal audit or additional enforcement actions from the commission.

Swalwell’s resignation in April came suddenly amid allegations of sexual misconduct involving several women, including one claim from a former staffer who reported a non-consensual encounter in April 2024, as reported by CNN.

In the wake of these allegations, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office initiated an investigation into Swalwell.

Just one day before his resignation, Swalwell had also announced he was stepping back from his campaign for governor of California on social media.

“I am suspending my campaign for Governor. To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” he wrote. “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”

Additionally, in March, the FEC had started looking into Swalwell regarding claims that he charged childcare expenses to his campaign.