Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Eric Swalwell

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 4, 2026

Public opinion and media debates around Eric Swalwell—discover key moments of controversy.

Eric Swalwell is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 14th congressional district since 2023, after representing the 15th district from 2013-2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he represents a district covering most of eastern Alameda County.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2012: San Francisco Chronicle Endorsed Swalwell

During the 2012 election cycle, the San Francisco Chronicle endorsed Swalwell. The Stark campaign accused Swalwell of being a Tea Party candidate, which was denied by Swalwell and dismissed by the San Jose Mercury News, which also endorsed Swalwell.

2012: Fang Cultivating Contacts

Since at least 2012, Christine Fang had been cultivating contacts with California politicians.

June 18, 2013: Posted Video to Vine During House Vote

On June 18, 2013, Eric Swalwell used his mobile phone to record a video of his vote against a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks, and uploaded it to Vine. This action was seen as violating House rules.

2014: Fang Participated in Fundraising

In 2014, Christine Fang participated in fundraising for Eric Swalwell's congressional election bid.

June 2016: Used Facebook Live and Periscope to Broadcast Gun-Violence Sit-In

In June 2016, Eric Swalwell used Facebook Live and Periscope to broadcast House Democrats' gun-violence sit-in. Afterwards, he called for new policies regarding cameras on the House floor.

2018: Justice Department Seized Personal Data

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice under the Trump administration seized Eric Swalwell's personal data.

December 2020: Named in Axios Story About Suspected Chinese Spy

In December 2020, Eric Swalwell was named in an Axios story about suspected Chinese spy Fang Fang, also known as Christine Fang.

March 5, 2021: Filed Civil Lawsuit Against Trump and Allies

On March 5, 2021, Eric Swalwell filed a civil lawsuit against Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Mo Brooks, and Rudy Giuliani for their alleged role in inciting the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

March 2021: Motion to Remove Swalwell from House Intelligence Committee

In March 2021, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy moved to remove Eric Swalwell from his seat on the House Intelligence Committee; his motion was tabled on a party-line vote.

April 2021: House Ethics Committee Investigation Opened

In April 2021, the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Eric Swalwell.

January 2023: Expelled from House Intelligence Committee

In January 2023, Speaker Kevin McCarthy expelled Eric Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee.

January 2023: Removal from Intelligence Committee

In January 2023, after Kevin McCarthy became Speaker, he announced that he would remove Eric Swalwell from the Intelligence committee. Swalwell characterized McCarthy's action as "purely vengeance". Swalwell's membership expired in January 2023.

May 2023: Investigation Closed

In May 2023, the House Ethics Committee informed Eric Swalwell that the investigation had been closed with no further action, while also cautioning about foreign governments attempting to secure improper influence.