Swalwell Insists Chinese Spy Case 'Closed' as FBI Digs Up Files

California governor candidate dismisses concerns over ties to suspected CCP asset Christine Fang

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:18pm by Ben Kaplan

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A solitary, brooding figure of a politician standing alone in a dimly lit government building hallway, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the political controversy surrounding the release of classified files.The release of classified investigative files could cast a long shadow over a California politician's gubernatorial ambitions.San Francisco Today

California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell held an abrupt press conference to insist that his ties to suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang are a closed case, even as FBI Director Kash Patel threatens to release investigative files on the matter. Swalwell accused Patel, a Trump appointee, of 'weaponizing' federal law enforcement to meddle in the governor's race.

Why it matters

Swalwell's relationship with Fang, a suspected Chinese Communist Party asset, has dogged his campaign for California governor. While no wrongdoing was found, the case has raised concerns about foreign influence in US politics and the potential misuse of federal investigations for political purposes.

The details

In 2020, reports surfaced that Fang, also known as 'Fang Fang,' had cultivated ties with Swalwell starting when he was a Dublin city council member, even bundling donations for his campaign and recommending interns for his office. Fang reportedly carried on romantic or sexual relationships with two Midwestern mayors before leaving the US in 2015. Trump officials later ordered the FBI to compile records of the decade-old investigation into Swalwell's ties to Fang, alarming some career investigators due to the extensive and classified nature of the files.

  • In 2020, reports surfaced about Swalwell's ties to suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang.
  • In 2021, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ordered a House ethics probe into the matter.
  • On March 30, 2026, Swalwell held a press conference insisting the case is 'closed'.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A California congressman and candidate for governor who was previously linked to suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang.

Christine Fang

Also known as 'Fang Fang,' a suspected Chinese Communist Party asset who cultivated ties with Swalwell starting when he was a Dublin city council member.

Kash Patel

The current FBI Director, appointed by former President Trump, who is threatening to release investigative files on Swalwell's ties to Fang.

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What they’re saying

“This case is closed — the bureau said, over 10 years ago, all we did was help.”

— Eric Swalwell, California gubernatorial candidate

“They think that if they can sneak two Republican loyalists past the June threshold, they can ignore the will of the voters. But the choice belongs to Californians, and they will never let it go.”

— Eric Swalwell, California gubernatorial candidate

What’s next

FBI Director Kash Patel has threatened to release the investigative files on Swalwell's ties to Christine Fang, which could further inflame the political controversy surrounding the California gubernatorial race.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about foreign influence in US politics and the potential for political weaponization of federal investigations. As Swalwell campaigns for governor, his past relationship with a suspected Chinese spy continues to dog him, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the political process.