A political career once surging with momentum is now facing a relentless barrage of accusations. Representative Eric Swalwell, previously a frontrunner in the California gubernatorial race, finds himself embroiled in a deepening scandal involving alleged violations of immigration and campaign finance laws.
The core of the controversy centers around Amanda Barbosa, a Brazilian national who worked for Swalwell and his wife. Complaints filed with federal authorities allege the couple continued to employ Barbosa even after her authorized work status expired, potentially misleading officials to prolong her stay in the United States.
Further complicating matters, a separate complaint claims Swalwell utilized campaign funds to pay Barbosa “under the table” while she lacked proper work authorization. Barbosa initially arrived in 2021 on an au pair visa, tasked with caring for the couple’s children.
Federal Election Commission records reveal a pattern of payments to Barbosa: $3,914 in 2021, escalating to $46,930 in 2022. Though official payments ceased after her visa expired in December 2022, the complaints suggest a concealed continuation of support.
Records indicate over $52,000 in childcare expenses were later directly reimbursed to Swalwell, a maneuver alleged to mask ongoing payments to Barbosa. By 2025, Barbosa reappeared in campaign payment records, receiving another $38,905.
The allegations arrive at a particularly vulnerable moment for Swalwell. His campaign has already been shaken by multiple accusations of sexual assault, including a former staffer’s claim of rape – allegations he vehemently denies, labeling them “absolutely false.”
Adding to the pressure, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has reportedly launched an investigation into these sexual assault claims. Even within his own party, calls for Swalwell to withdraw from the gubernatorial race are growing increasingly vocal.
The unfolding situation presents a stark challenge to Swalwell’s political future. As investigations proceed and scrutiny intensifies, the once-promising trajectory of his career hangs precariously in the balance.
