Swalwell Reacts as Patel Pushes Fang Files

Adriana Stone 0 2 min read

Swalwell Reacts as Patel Pushes Fang Files

Rep. Eric Swalwell stepped into the spotlight again this weekend. New reporting says the FBI has renewed interest in his relationship with Fang Fang, the Chinese national who once infiltrated his campaign.

Swalwell told CNN’s Jim Sciutto he thinks the move is political. He argued the probe is tied to his role in January 6 lawsuits, past impeachment work, and his run for governor of California.

Sciutto: As I believe you know that he has now restarted an investigation of you, which the FBI previously conducted and found no accusation or evidence of wrongdoing. Do you suspect, because this wouldn’t be the first time, that this is politically motivated?

Swalwell: I suspect it’s politically motivated. Jim. I have the only lawsuit that has survived this presidency; It’s me in the January 6 officers. I was an impeachment manager, I worked with Adam Schiff on the Russia investigation, and I’m a candidate for governor, and Californians start voting in about 35 days.

So, these are dangerous individuals who have gone after over 500 political opponents and organizations, Donald Trump and the FBI. And we know that they want a Western White House. There’s a threat right now that two Republicans will get through in the top-two primary in California. This is an effort to knock out the person who’s been in the lead.

And Kash Patel, by the way, in his own book called “Government Gangsters,” has a list of government gangsters. I’m not on the list. I’m above the list. Adam Schiff and I are in the prelude to that list, but Californians know better. They are going to pick the next governor, not Donald Trump.

Swalwell has been tweeting about the news all weekend. He used the attention to raise money and shore up his campaign message.

In a statement he wrote,

Through great reporting, we now know the outrageous ends the White House will go to target political opponents.

The reason Trump is so desperately trying to stop me is not because I’m running for Governor of California but because now I’m the favorite.

But Donald Trump and Kash Patel do not get to pick the next Governor.

Californians do.

My statement on the Washington Post investigation. pic.twitter.com/sU9zaZVsFO

Here is the Twitter post referenced:

Patel has reportedly pushed for release of investigative files tied to Swalwell’s dealings with Fang Fang. The goal, according to reports, would be to build a criminal case.

Media accounts also say Swalwell had a sexual relationship with Fang Fang. Those details have been reported before and are repeated in current coverage as background to the renewed scrutiny.

What’s clear: this story is far from over. The probe, the politics, and the campaign math in California will keep it in the headlines. Expect both sides to use every tool they have. And expect the fight to get louder as voters head to the polls.

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