Eric Swalwell's Lavish Campaign Spending Exposed After Exit from Governor Race
Newly released Federal Election Commission filings have revealed that disgraced former Congressman Eric Swalwell continued to spend heavily from his campaign war chest long after abandoning his bid for California governor. The documents show that Swalwell's campaign committee, 'Swalwell for Congress,' shelled out an eye-popping $76,900 during the first three months of 2026, despite his decision to drop out of the race in November of the previous year.
Questionable Expenses and Nanny Payments
The 135-page filing, obtained by the Daily Mail, details a stream of eyebrow-raising expenses that have sparked mounting backlash against the former politician. Among the most controversial items are multiple payments made to Swalwell's Brazilian nanny, Amanda Barbosa, who received thousands of dollars in campaign finance funds during the first quarter of 2026.
This is not the first time Barbosa has received payments from Swalwell's campaign. FEC records previously reviewed by the Daily Mail indicated that Barbosa received $46,930 in 2022, while NOTUS estimated a total of $72,000 on childcare expenses throughout 2025 paid by Swalwell's campaign.
Swalwell and his wife, Brittany Watts, are currently under investigation for allegedly employing Barbosa after her temporary work authorization expired. According to complaints filed with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor by reporter and documentary maker Joel Gilbert, Barbosa was legally authorized to work as Swalwell's nanny from January 2021 to December 2022.
The complaint alleges that when her visa ended, the Swalwells began the process of applying to sponsor her for a green card, and Barbosa enrolled in community college. However, it further claims that Swalwell kept Barbosa employed between January 2023 and February 2025 despite her allegedly lacking proper visa status.
Luxury Spending and Questionable Charges
The FEC filing reveals numerous other questionable expenses that have raised eyebrows among political observers:
- Three separate charges of $1,598 each to Stanford Hotels Corporation on February 11, with identical charges appearing three times on February 6
- A $44 charge to Harry's Reserve, a liquor store in Washington DC, in January
- Multiple charges at The Battery, an exclusive San Francisco members' club, including $664 on March 17 and $520 on February 18
- Two charges to Talay Thai restaurant, an upscale dining spot in Sacramento - $293 on February 24 and $198.40 on March 27
- Over 80 pages of charges exclusively for Uber and Uber Eats services
- A $637 payment to Cook Construction LLC on March 18 for internet and television services
- Multiple charges for Google LLC, Zoom, Apple, and other internet services
- Thousands paid to various airlines for flights
Some of the more unusual charges include a $273 payment to See's Candles for gifts and a $186 charge to Spoonful of Comfort, a shop in Salt Lake City that sends care packages of chicken noodle soup.
Legal Context and Political Fallout
According to FEC regulations, campaign funds can be used after an election for 'winding down costs,' including moving expenses, gifts, and charitable donations. Campaign funds may also be used for childcare expenses if a candidate is actively running for office.
Swalwell's political career came crashing down last week when multiple women detailed alleged horrific encounters with the Democrat politician. A former model and fashion software company owner, Lonna Drewes, accused Swalwell of rape during a news conference on Tuesday. After the news broke, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced that its Special Victims Bureau would be investigating the matter.
Swalwell has staunchly denied the sexual assault claims, apologizing in a statement for 'mistakes in judgment' from his past while vowing to fight the allegations against him. His colleagues have come out in support of the alleged victims, including his former ally, Senator Ruben Gallego.
'Eric Swalwell lied to all of us. He lied to the most powerful people in this country, and they trusted him,' Gallego told reporters, adding, 'That clouded my judgment.'
It is important to note that Swalwell has not been formally accused of misusing campaign funds. The Daily Mail has reached out to both the FEC and Swalwell's attorney for comment on the newly revealed spending patterns.
