Disgraced former Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign has paid approximately $150,000 in legal fees to the law firm Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP between May 17 and June 30, according to financial disclosures. This spending comes as Swalwell faces ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct allegations that have derailed his political career.
The former California gubernatorial candidate had previously paid $50,000 to the same law firm before May 16. Swalwell has utilized the firm for legal counsel since 2016, with total payments exceeding $300,000 over the years, reportedly to address "politically motivated actors."
This practice of using campaign funds for legal expenses is under scrutiny, particularly as California ethics investigators examine over $300,000 in payments made to celebrity defense attorney Sara Azari, who has publicly represented Swalwell regarding the allegations.
Representatives for the California Fair Political Practices Commission have stated there are no updates on their investigations.
Swalwell's political downfall began in April following reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing accusations of rape, sexual assault, and other misconduct from multiple women. Swalwell has denied these allegations but acknowledged "mistakes in judgment."
He suspended his campaign for governor on April 12 and resigned from Congress several days later. Swalwell is reportedly the subject of investigations by prosecutors in Manhattan and Los Angeles County concerning alleged rape incidents.
In response to such practices, Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., introduced bipartisan legislation this week. The bill aims to ban the use of federal campaign funds for costs associated with sexual misconduct allegations, including settlements, judgments, private investigators, and lawyers. Legal expenses would be reimbursable if the candidate is found not liable for the alleged misconduct.
"Our bipartisan legislation addresses a basic principle: money donated to support a political campaign should not become a personal legal-defense fund for alleged sexual misconduct," Khanna stated.
This is not the first instance of Swalwell using campaign money for unusual expenses, which have previously included chauffeured car services, alcohol deliveries, and babysitting fees.