Rep. Eric Swalwell’s troubles are escalating. Once a frontrunner for California’s gubernatorial race, he now stands accused of serious allegations that could derail his political aspirations. Reports from The New York Post reveal that two formal complaints have been lodged against Swalwell and his wife, claiming violations of immigration and campaign finance regulations.
At the center of these complaints is Amanda Barbosa, a Brazilian national whose legal work status has expired. The allegations state that the Swalwells kept her on as a nanny even after her visa became invalid. A complaint to the Department of Labor accuses the couple of misleading authorities to extend Barbosa’s stay. A separate complaint filed with the Department of Homeland Security claims that campaign funds were misused when Swalwell paid Barbosa under the table while she lacked valid work authorization.
Barbosa arrived in the U.S. in 2021 on an au pair visa and began working for the Swalwell family later that year, caring for their three children. FEC records paint a picture of financial transactions that suggest a troubling trend. Barbosa received nearly $50,000 from Swalwell’s campaign over a two-year span. Despite her visa having expired in 2022 and her subsequent switch to a student visa—which does not permit off-campus employment—complaints indicate that Barbosa continued her role as a live-in nanny throughout 2023 and 2024.
Social media accounts reviewed in conjunction with the complaints show Barbosa actively involved in the Swalwell family’s life, attending family events and public appearances. Although official campaign records indicated payments to her ceased after 2022, over $52,000 in childcare expenses were reimbursed directly to Swalwell. This reimbursement has been framed as an attempt to disguise ongoing payments to Barbosa.
The storm brewing around Swalwell intensifies with previous allegations of sexual misconduct also resurfacing. A former staffer has accused Swalwell of serious wrongdoing, prompting him to categorically deny the claims. “Hear it directly from me. These allegations are flat false. And I will fight them,” he asserted in response to mounting criticisms. Nevertheless, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has begun a probe into the sexual assault accusations against him, adding yet another layer to his mounting legal issues.
Even as these serious allegations circulate, Swalwell’s support is waning. Calls for him to withdraw from the gubernatorial race are increasingly coming from within his party. Political allies and constituents alike seem to recognize the gravity of the situation, urging him to step back while they still can.
Swalwell’s trajectory seems clouded by these allegations, which range from immigration violations to serious claims of sexual misconduct. His political future hangs precariously as investigations unfold and public opinion shifts. As the situation develops, Swalwell’s responses and actions will be crucial in shaping his fate, but the path ahead looks challenging.
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