California Representative Eric Swalwell, currently campaigning for governor, is now confronting serious accusations regarding his treatment of a former nanny. Two formal complaints allege violations of both immigration and employment laws, raising questions about his financial dealings and adherence to legal regulations.
The core of the allegations centers around Amanda Barbosa, a Brazilian national initially brought to the U.S. on an au pair visa in 2021. Complaints suggest Swalwell and his wife, Brittany Swalwell, may have intentionally obscured details to maintain her employment, even as her legal work status became uncertain.
Federal Election Commission data reveals a significant flow of campaign funds directed towards Barbosa. In 2021, she received $3,914 from the campaign, a figure that dramatically increased to $46,930 in 2022. This pattern continued, with an additional $38,905 paid in 2025, categorized as “childcare” expenses.
While Swalwell initiated the process of sponsoring Barbosa for a green card in late 2022, her subsequent enrollment in community college introduced a new complication. Student visas typically restrict off-campus employment, yet social media posts reportedly depict Barbosa continuing to provide childcare for the Swalwell family throughout 2023 and 2024.
One complaint, filed with the Department of Labor, directly accuses the Swalwells of misrepresentation to keep Barbosa employed. A separate complaint submitted to the Department of Homeland Security alleges the campaign funds served as a means to circumvent employment restrictions while Barbosa lacked proper work authorization.
The timing of these allegations is particularly sensitive, as Swalwell is already facing separate accusations of sexual misconduct. A former staffer initially brought forth claims to the San Francisco Chronicle, and three additional women have since shared similar accounts with CNN.
Swalwell vehemently denies the sexual assault allegations, labeling them “flat-out false” in a public statement. He insists the claims are entirely fabricated and vows to vigorously defend himself against them.
The Department of Labor has confirmed the approval of Barbosa’s labor certification in 2024. However, the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the financial arrangements and potential legal violations continues to intensify as Swalwell pursues his gubernatorial ambitions.
The complaints paint a picture of a complex situation involving immigration status, campaign finances, and the ongoing responsibilities of childcare. Investigators will now need to determine whether the Swalwells acted within the bounds of the law.
