Federal agents searched the Washington, D.C., home of former U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) last weekend as part of an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. According to a source familiar with the matter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also seized electronic devices from the former congressman at San Francisco International Airport.
The searches follow Swalwell’s resignation from Congress and his withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race in April 2026. Those decisions occurred after four women accused him of misconduct ranging from sexual assault to sending unsolicited explicit images. While Swalwell has apologized for what he termed "mistakes in judgment," he has stated the allegations are false and maintained he will fight them.
In addition to the federal search, local law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles and New York have announced their own investigations into the alleged assaults. Separately, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stated it looked into allegations regarding Swalwell's employment of a Brazilian nanny. A lawyer for Swalwell did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the recent FBI activity.
The scale of the legal challenges facing Swalwell involves multiple jurisdictions, including two major metropolitan police departments and two federal agencies. While the specific number of electronic devices seized was not reported, such actions typically affect a subject's ability to access personal and professional communications and data. For the public and voters in California, this development marks a significant turn for a figure who, until April, was considered a leading contender to lead a state government that manages a multi-billion dollar budget and serves nearly 40 million residents.
The knock-on effects of the federal investigation may influence how the Department of Justice handles cases involving high-profile political figures and sexual misconduct allegations. It also places further scrutiny on Swalwell’s past congressional service and his prior presidential campaign. What happens next depends on the FBI’s analysis of the seized devices and whether federal prosecutors determine there is sufficient evidence to bring formal charges. No specific court dates or deadlines have been announced, and the timeline for the conclusion of the local investigations in New York and Los Angeles remains not reported.