The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has opened a formal investigation into former U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell and his 2026 gubernatorial campaign committee regarding the alleged improper use of donor funds for legal expenses. The inquiry, which began on May 28, focuses on substantial payments made by the campaign to Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Sara Azari, who publicly defended Swalwell against allegations of sexual misconduct.
"At this time, we have not made any determination about the possible violations." — Christopher Burton, FPPC Assistant Chief
According to campaign finance records, an initial payment of $40,000 to Azari for legal services was reported in April. Subsequent filings indicate that the campaign's total payments to the attorney have since surpassed $300,000. The FPPC first sought documentation regarding these payments on May 1, requesting records from Swalwell's campaign within 14 days. Less than a month later, the agency escalated the matter to a formal investigation, notifying the campaign of the probe.
"At this time, we have not made any determination about the possible violations," Christopher Burton, FPPC Assistant Chief, wrote in a letter to Swalwell's campaign. The investigation seeks to determine if these campaign funds were lawfully used, as California campaign finance laws generally restrict the use of donor money for personal expenses unrelated to campaign or officeholder duties, a principle highlighted by reports in the New York Post.
The investigation unfolds amid the collapse of Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign, which he suspended in April following reports detailing multiple women's allegations of sexual misconduct, including claims of rape and sexual assault. Swalwell has denied these allegations, though he acknowledged what he described as "mistakes in judgment." Days after suspending his campaign, he resigned from Congress, effectively ending a political career that had positioned him as a prominent national figure within the Democratic Party.
Sara Azari emerged as one of Swalwell’s most vocal defenders after the allegations surfaced. She publicly disputed the claims against her client and criticized efforts to characterize the accusations as criminal conduct. The FPPC's scrutiny centers on whether her fees, incurred for defending Swalwell against these personal allegations, were appropriately covered by campaign donations.
Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign had attracted significant financial support from notable figures in the entertainment industry and business community. Campaign filings show contributions from actors such as Sean Penn, Robert De Niro, and Jon Hamm, alongside executives and investors with ties to Hollywood and major talent agencies. Despite suspending his campaign, Swalwell remained on the ballot and received more than 20,000 votes in California’s primary election this week. Campaign records indicate that he still controls more than $2.6 million in campaign funds.
The outcome of the FPPC investigation could have significant implications for Swalwell’s political future and the use of his remaining campaign funds. If violations are found, the agency has the authority to pursue administrative penalties or other enforcement actions under California's campaign finance laws. The FPPC has not announced a specific timeline for the completion of its investigation. This inquiry represents the latest development in a scandal that has dramatically reshaped Swalwell’s career trajectory, shifting him from a high-profile national Democratic figure with statewide aspirations to an individual facing ongoing legal and political challenges.
