Former Congressman's Campaign Spending Under Scrutiny
Eric Swalwell, the ex-congressman from California, has come under intense scrutiny for his use of campaign funds, which included thousands of dollars spent on alcohol deliveries and multiple trips to Las Vegas. According to federal campaign disclosures cited by the New York Post, Swalwell made over 100 different purchases through the now-defunct alcohol delivery service Drizly over a four-year period starting in 2020.
Alcohol Expenditures and Vegas Connections
Campaign records reveal that Swalwell racked up a bill of approximately $6,100 through Drizly. Despite this spending occurring within a specific timeframe, the Federal Election Commission reported that the California Democrat was responsible for about 25 percent of all political spending with the delivery company since 2019. Some of these alcohol purchases coincided with periods when Swalwell took several trips to Las Vegas.
In July 2021, the former congressman spent thousands while staying at the five-star Cosmopolitan Las Vegas hotel and casino. He reportedly visited the venue three times during a 10-day trip, during which he used Drizly on multiple occasions and charged his campaign nearly $600 for two steakhouse dinners. The Post noted that this trip alone cost more than $3,100.
Post-Drizly Spending and Broader Campaign Expenses
Even after Drizly's shutdown in 2024, Swalwell's congressional campaigns continued to use Uber Eats more than 220 times, accumulating a bill exceeding $19,000. However, the charges do not specify whether these deliveries were for alcohol or food. These findings emerged shortly after it was discovered that Swalwell maintained heavy spending from his campaign war chest after exiting the California governor's race in November.
A Federal Election Commission filing revealed that 'Swalwell for Congress' expended $76,900 in the first three months of the year. The 135-page document, reviewed by the Daily Mail, details numerous expenses between January 1 and March 31, including multiple receipts made out to his Brazilian nanny, Amanda Barbosa. She received thousands of dollars in campaign finance funds in the first quarter of 2026, with FEC records previously indicating she received $46,930 in 2022.
Childcare and Miscellaneous Charges
NOTUS estimated that Swalwell's campaign paid a total of $72,000 for childcare expenses throughout 2025. Swalwell and his wife, Brittany Watts, are being investigated for employing Barbosa after her temporary work authorization allegedly expired. The filing also includes over 80 pages of charges exclusively for Uber and Uber Eats, along with payments to various service providers.
Other notable expenses include $637 to Cook Construction LLC for internet and television services, multiple charges for Google LLC, Zoom, Apple, and other internet services, and thousands paid to various airlines for flights. Some more random charges in the FEC filing include a $273 charge 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 Allegations
According to the FEC, campaign funds can be used after an election for 'winding down costs,' such as moving expenses, gifts, and charitable donations. Campaign funds may also be used for childcare expenses if a candidate is actively running for office. Swalwell has not been formally accused of misusing campaign funds, but these expenditures have raised questions amid broader controversies.
Swalwell's political career faced significant turmoil last week when multiple women detailed alleged horrific encounters with the Democrat politician. Lonna Drewes, a former model and fashion software company owner, accused Swalwell of rape in a news conference on Tuesday. Following this, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department stated that its Special Victims Bureau would investigate the matter.
Swalwell has denied all allegations against him, apologizing for 'mistakes in judgment' from his past but vowing to fight the claims. His colleagues, including former ally Senator Ruben Gallego, have expressed support for the alleged victims. Gallego told reporters, 'Eric Swalwell lied to all of us. He lied to the most powerful people in this country, and they trusted him,' adding that it 'clouded my judgment.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the FEC and Swalwell's attorney for comment.
