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◆ Mixed look for SwalwellElections / Campaigns

Swalwell accuses Trump of trying to influence California governor's race with old FBI files

Swalwell accused Trump and Patel of using the prospect of releasing old FBI files to influence California’s governor’s race.

Swalwell accuses Trump of trying to influence California governor's race with old FBI files
Image · Los Angeles Times

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Outlet credibilityLos Angeles Times85/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 8, 2026
tl;dr

A Washington Post report said FBI Director Kash Patel directed agents to prepare redacted files from an old investigation involving Eric Swalwell for public release. Swalwell accused President Trump and Patel of trying to influence California’s governor’s race, but the White House, FBI and Justice Department did not immediately comment.

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Eric Swalwell Former U.S. Representative (D-CA)

Counts every outlet’s report of this story. See all 56

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  • Readers of left-leaning coverage: not enough votes yet
  • Readers of right-leaning coverage: 57% good look
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People in this story

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Eric Swalwell
Former U.S. Representative (D-CA)

California governor candidate and congressman accusing Trump and Patel of trying to influence the governor’s race

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President accused by Swalwell of trying to influence California’s governor’s race

Katie Porter
Former U.S. Representative (D-CA)

California gubernatorial candidate mentioned in a poll comparison

Adam B. Schiff
D · CA · SEN

Senator who endorsed Swalwell and criticized the reported FBI action

Jamie Raskin
D · MD-8

Representative and House Judiciary Committee ranking Democrat who criticized Patel’s reported action

Kevin McCarthy
Former U.S. Representative (R-CA)

Former House Speaker who blocked Swalwell from continuing on the Intelligence Committee

Jimmy Gomez
D · CA-34

Representative who criticized Patel’s reported handling of the files

ALSO MENTIONED  Christine Fang, Suspected Chinese intelligence operative whose contacts with Swalwell’s campaign were examined; Jamie Pulte, Former Federal Housing Finance Agency director whom Swalwell had sued; Kash Patel, FBI director reported to have directed agents to prepare the files for release

Part of a bigger story

18 OUTLETS
Swalwell’s Attorneys Ask FBI Not to Release Fang Fang Files

Eric Swalwell’s attorneys asked FBI Director Kash Patel not to release files from an old investigation involving Swalwell’s past contacts with Christine Fang, threatening legal action. Center outlets frame the request chiefly as a legal dispute and report Swalwell’s concerns that release could affect his gubernatorial campaign. Right-leaning outlets emphasize alleged hypocrisy tied to his earlier calls for Epstein-file disclosure and, in some coverage, whether he can prevent release.

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