FEC Orders Eric Swalwell to Return Remaining $30,075 in Campaign Donations by July 20

The Federal Election Commission on June 15 ordered Eric Swalwell to return $30,075 in contributions from 16 donors that his campaign received during his bid for California governor. Senior Campaign Finance Analyst Mary Seiler signed the letter, which stated that Swalwell is not eligible to request a time extension.

The commission said failure to comply may result in an audit or enforcement action.

The FEC requires candidates who drop out of a race to return contributions to donors. Swalwell had already refunded some donations but not all, according to the agency. All remaining refunds must be completed by July 20.

Swalwell ended his campaign for governor in April 2026 after multiple women came forward with sexual assault allegations, which he has denied. U.S. House of Representatives one day later.

His final state campaign finance report shows he collected donations until April 13. The United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council Candidate PAC, California Dairies, real estate developer Jeff Worthe, and Greater Anesthesia Service and PAC each contributed $39,200. Swalwell also received a $460,000 unitemized contribution on April 18.

His campaign paid attorney Sara Azari at least $313,000 and the firm KMM Strategies more than $600,000 using campaign funds. Swalwell and Azari did not respond to requests for comment. Democratic state Sen.

Aisha Wahab advanced on June 16 in a special general election to fill the vacant House seat. She will face a runoff on August 18 to complete the remainder of the term through January. Democrat Melissa Hernandez, a transit director and former mayor of Dublin, California, was in second place as of June 19 with votes still being counted.