FBI investigation into Eric Swalwell could tip scales in crowded California gubernatorial race

Published March 30, 2026 5:10pm ET



A push by FBI Director Kash Patel to revisit records from a decade-old investigation tied to Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and a suspected Chinese spy could give the Democrat’s gubernatorial bid an unexpected boost.

The directive has sparked internal concern that selectively released material could be used to damage Swalwell politically, reviving scrutiny of his past association with Christine Fang, according to law enforcement sources. The original investigation, which examined Fang’s ties to local politicians and her fundraising assistance to Swalwell more than a decade ago, was ultimately closed by the Justice Department without producing any criminal charges.

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