FBI raids California home in Eric Swalwell investigation

Former Democratic congressman faces sexual misconduct allegations

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published27 October 2026

Updated27 October 2026

Read Time1 min

Sources4 outlets

The FBI has raided a California home linked to the criminal investigation into former US congressman Eric Swalwell, who earlier this year dropped out of California's gubernatorial race and resigned from the House of Representatives after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct.

US media reports indicate the raid is the latest development in the federal investigation into the 45-year-old former Democratic lawmaker. In August, the FBI stopped Swalwell at an airport, seized his electronic devices and searched his Washington DC home as part of the same inquiry.

Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing. His attorney, Sara Azari, has called the allegations a "calculated and transparent political hit job". At the time the accusations first emerged, she said in a statement: "These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive."

The allegations against Swalwell include that he raped one woman while she was too intoxicated to consent and that he sent unsolicited nude photographs to other women.

The BBC has contacted Swalwell's lawyer and the US Department of Justice for comment. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

The FBI's ongoing activity signals a serious criminal investigation into a former member of Congress, which carries implications for political accountability.
The case touches on broader issues of sexual misconduct allegations against public officials and how such cases are handled by law enforcement.
Swalwell's resignation and withdrawal from the governor's race reshaped California's political landscape; further developments could affect public trust in the electoral process.

Background

Eric Swalwell served as a Democratic congressman from California from 2013 until his resignation earlier this year. He was a prominent figure in national politics, notably as a member of the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. In 2023 he launched a campaign for governor of California, but withdrew after the sexual misconduct allegations became public and gave up his seat in the House. The FBI investigation was confirmed in August when agents served search warrants and seized his devices.

What to Watch

Whether federal charges are filed against Swalwell in connection with the allegations.
Any further searches or seizures of evidence as the investigation expands.
How the case may affect public discourse around handling of sexual misconduct claims involving former elected officials.

Sources

FBI raids billionaire's Beverly Hills mansion in connection with Eric Swalwell probe, sources say · LA Times California
FBI raids California mansion related to Eric Swalwell investigation · Washington Examiner
FBI raids California home tied to former Congressman Eric Swalwell - US media · BBC News
Federal agents search Beverly Hills mansion tied to ex-congressman Eric Swalwell · The Guardian

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedThe FBI raided a California home in connection with the investigation into Eric Swalwell.BBC News: “FBI officers raided a California home in connection with the investigation into former US Congressman Eric Swalwell, US media reports.”
Partly supportedThe home was linked to a criminal investigation.BBC News: “FBI officers raided a California home in connection with the investigation into former US Congressman Eric Swalwell, US media reports.”
SupportedSwalwell faces sexual misconduct allegations.BBC News: “Swalwell has faced allegations from multiple women, including that he raped one victim while she was too intoxicated to respond and that he sent women unsolicited nude photographs.”
SupportedSwalwell dropped out of California’s gubernatorial race earlier this year.BBC News: “Swalwell, 45, dropped out of California's governor's race earlier this year”
SupportedSwalwell gave up his House seat after sexual misconduct allegations emerged.BBC News: “and gave up his seat in the House of Representatives after allegations of sexual misconduct while in office emerged.”
SupportedThe raid is the latest development in the federal investigation, according to US media reports.BBC News: “FBI officers raided a California home in connection with the investigation into former US Congressman Eric Swalwell, US media reports. [...] In August, the FBI stopped the former Democratic lawmaker at an an airport, seized his electronic devices and raided his Washington DC home as part of the investigation into those allegations.”
SupportedSwalwell is 45 years old.BBC News: “Swalwell, 45, dropped out of California's governor's race earlier this year”
SupportedIn August, the FBI stopped Swalwell at an airport, seized his electronic devices and raided his Washington DC home as part of the same investigation.BBC News: “In August, the FBI stopped the former Democratic lawmaker at an an airport, seized his electronic devices and raided his Washington DC home as part of the investigation into those allegations.”
SupportedSara Azari called the allegations a “calculated and transparent political hit job.”BBC News: ““These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive - a calculated and transparent political hit job,” his attorney Sara Azari said around the time they were first reported.”
Partly supportedAzari said, in a statement at the time the accusations first emerged, “These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive.”BBC News: ““These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive - a calculated and transparent political hit job,” his attorney Sara Azari said around the time they were first reported.”
Partly supportedOne allegation is that Swalwell raped a woman while she was too intoxicated to consent.BBC News: “Swalwell has faced allegations from multiple women, including that he raped one victim while she was too intoxicated to respond”
SupportedOne allegation is that Swalwell sent unsolicited nude photographs to other women.BBC News: “and that he sent women unsolicited nude photographs.”