Swalwell Accuses Trump, Patel of Trying to Influence California Governor's Race

FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly pushing to release files related to decade-old investigation into congressman and suspected Chinese spy.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:57pm by Ben Kaplan

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A cinematic painting of a lone figure standing in a dimly lit government hallway, the subject's face obscured in shadow while warm sunlight streams in from a window, creating a sense of quiet contemplation and unease around the political situation.As political tensions escalate, a California congressman faces scrutiny over his past ties to a suspected Chinese spy, raising questions about the role of federal agencies in state elections.San Francisco Today

East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell is accusing President Donald Trump of trying to interfere in the California governor's race, following reports that FBI Director Kash Patel is pushing to release files related to a decade-old investigation into the congressman and a suspected Chinese spy that ultimately found no wrongdoing on Swalwell's part.

Why it matters

The reported move marks the latest salvo between the Trump administration and Swalwell, a vocal critic of the president who served as an impeachment manager over the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol and is a leading candidate to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The details

According to reporting in The Washington Post, Patel recently sent agents to the FBI's San Francisco office to redact the files before they are released. Bureau leaders have also discussed sending agents to China to see if the alleged spy has any harmful information on Swalwell. Swalwell called it an 'effort to weaponize the FBI against the president's political enemies' and said he is working with his legal counsel to take further action.

  • The old investigation into Swalwell stems from the congressmember's connection to Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese spy, between 2011 and 2015.
  • In 2023, the House Ethics Committee closed an investigation into the congressmember, taking no action while cautioning members to 'be conscious of the possibility that foreign governments may attempt to secure improper influence through gifts and other interactions.'

The players

Eric Swalwell

East Bay congressman and leading candidate to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States.

Kash Patel

Current FBI Director, reportedly pushing to release files related to investigation into Swalwell.

Christine Fang

Suspected Chinese spy who reportedly tried to cozy up with several California politicians between 2011 and 2015, including Swalwell.

Gavin Newsom

Current Governor of California.

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What they’re saying

“We need a governor who can be a fighter and a protector. That's why they're targeting me, I'm the only name in the race that they know. The only one that they're threatened by because we promised to continue with what Gov. Gavin Newsom has done.”

— Eric Swalwell, Congressman

What’s next

Swalwell said that he is working with his legal counsel to take further action, though he didn't detail what that would entail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and Swalwell, a vocal critic of the former president, as Swalwell seeks to succeed Newsom as California's governor. The release of files related to the decade-old investigation into Swalwell's ties to a suspected Chinese spy could become a major issue in the governor's race.