(KMJ) Rep. Eric Swalwell is threatening legal action against the FBI, as the agency reportedly considers releasing records tied to his past relationship with a suspected Chinese spy—just weeks before Californians vote in the state’s open race for governor.
Attorneys for the Democrat sent a cease‑and‑desist letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, warning that releasing the documents would violate federal privacy laws.
The records involve Swalwell’s decade‑old connection with Christine “Fang Fang” Fang, who federal authorities have accused of attempting to cultivate political relationships for espionage purposes.
In the letter, Swalwell’s lawyers argue that releasing the material would amount to a political smear aimed at undermining his gubernatorial campaign and could expose the FBI to significant legal liability.
Eric Swalwell Press Conference
The FBI has not commented. The Washington Post reports Patel is weighing whether to release the files.
According to federal authorities, Fang helped raise money for Swalwell’s 2014 congressional campaign and placed at least one intern in his office. Swalwell cut ties in 2015 after the FBI briefed him on the suspected influence operation.
No criminal charges were filed, and Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing. A House Ethics Committee review also ended in 2023 without finding violations.
