California gubernatorial hopeful Eric Swalwell is facing serious allegations involving the employment of his Brazilian nanny, according to newly filed complaints. Accusations suggest that Swalwell breached immigration laws to retain her services and improperly used campaign funds as payment.
Eric Swalwell, a Democratic Congressman currently serving in the House of Representatives, was also recently the target of explosive claims of sexual assault and misconduct. These allegations, made by four women including a former staff member, surfaced last Friday.
Despite denying the allegations, Swalwell is experiencing pressure from fellow Democrats to exit the gubernatorial race. Notable figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have been vocal in urging him to reconsider his candidacy.
The latest controversy involves claims that Swalwell unlawfully kept his nanny, Amanda Barbosa, in the United States after her work authorization reportedly expired. This has raised questions about potential violations of immigration and employment regulations.
According to complaints submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor, Barbosa was authorized to work as Swalwell’s nanny from January 2021 through December 2022. These complaints were filed by journalist and documentary filmmaker Joel Gilbert.
Documents from the Federal Election Commission, initially reported by the New York Post and the Daily Mail, reveal that Barbosa received $46,930 from Swalwell’s campaign funds in 2022. These revelations have intensified scrutiny over his financial conduct.
When her visa ended, Swalwell and his wife, Brittany Watts, began the process of applying to sponsor her for a green card and Barbosa enrolled in community college, according to the complaint.
However, the complaint claimed that Swalwell kept Barbosa employed between January 2023 and February 2025, despite her allegedly not having the proper visa status.
Aspiring California governor Eric Swalwell has been accused of paying his immigrant nanny with campaign funds amid reports of sexual assault and misconduct from four women
Swalwell is accused of violating immigration and employment laws to keep his Brazilian nanny, Amanda Barbosa in the US after her temporary work authorization expired
Photos from Barbosa’s since-deleted Facebook page included in the complaint obtained by the Daily Mail showed her traveling and spending time with Swalwell family, including several trips to the White House, during that time frame.
Between 2023 and 2024, Barbosa was not listed in FEC records, but Swalwell wrote off $9,713.42 for ‘Payroll Tax for Campaign Childcare Reimbursement.’
Barbosa’s permanent labor certification was approved in 2024 and by 2025 she received $38,905 in campaign funds, FEC records show.
The Daily Mail contacted Swalwell, the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
Swalwell was among the leading Democrats in the race to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom.
But now, he is facing calls to resign and an investigation from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
On Friday, CNN reported that a former staffer of Swalwell accused him of having sex with her when she was unable to give consent.
The DA’s office has since revealed that it is probing allegations stemming from the accuser’s claim that she awoke to him having sex with her in 2024 after a night of drinking.
Barbosa was legally authorized to work as the Swalwell nanny from January 2021 to December 2022, but continued to post pictures working with the family through 2025
Swalwell has staunchly denied the sexual assault claims but has been urged to drop out of the race by his party colleagues. Pictured: Swalwell with wife Brittany Watts
‘We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,’ the office said in a statement to CNN.
‘Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner,’ it added.
The woman told the outlet that in April 2024, after a night of heavy drinking in New York City, she woke up to Swalwell having sex with her in his hotel bed.
‘I was pushing him off of me, saying no,’ she said, adding that it happened after she stopped working in his office. ‘He didn’t stop.’
Swalwell has denied the allegations of sexual assault and misconduct as his campaign hangs in jeopardy.
He shared a video on social media in which he appeared visibly shaken and addressed his wife, Brittany Watts.
‘A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations and I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly,’ Swalwell said.
‘These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.’
He then apologized ‘deeply for putting her in this position.’
A series of photographs showing Barbosa with the family were included as part of the complaints submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor
He also suggested conspiracy when he pointed out that the allegations were released ‘on the eve of’ the June 2 primary in which he claimed to be ‘the frontrunner,’ though Real Clear Politics’ average shows him trailing Republican Steve Hilton in the jungle primary.
‘I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint, I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife,’ he continued.
The Congressman apologized to his supporters if any of the allegations had made them doubt their support for him.
