Congressman Eric Swalwell, a prominent Democratic contender in the California gubernatorial race, has accused President Donald Trump of interfering in the election process. This allegation comes in the wake of reports that the Trump administration is considering releasing documents related to Swalwell’s alleged connection with a Chinese spy.

Taking to various media platforms to address the issue, Swalwell told CNN that both Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel pose significant threats. “Donald Trump and Kash Patel do not get to pick the next governor. Californians do,” Swalwell asserted on Saturday.

According to The Washington Post, Patel is reportedly advocating for the release of information concerning Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang, who is suspected of being a Chinese intelligence operative. Fang is said to have established connections with several American politicians.

Fang reportedly developed a relationship with Swalwell during his tenure as a member of the Dublin City Council, even bundling donations for his 2014 reelection campaign and suggesting staff members for his office. Allegations also suggest she engaged in sexual relations with at least two mayors.

While Swalwell was not immediately removed from any congressional committees due to his association with Fang, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy initiated a House Ethics Committee investigation into the matter after assuming his leadership role in 2021.

Swalwell wasn’t immediately removed from a congressional committee over his ties to Fang, but Rep. Kevin McCarthy ordered a House Ethics Committee investigation into the incident after he became House Speaker in 2021.

In a podcast shared with the California Post, Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign insisted he was cleared of wrongdoing.

“The air was cleared immediately by the FBI when there was even a suggestion of wrongdoing,” Swalwell told the Sources Say podcast.

His connections with the Chinese spy have dogged his campaign for governor. The Democrat even got into an online spat with Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, who commented, “Call me crazy I like my politicians not to get tricked my foreign spies.”

Swalwell now seems to be trying to turn the spy connection into an advantage in the race in light of the Washington Post report.

In a video posted Sunday, he said the reports with Fang are a political hit job, part of why “Donald Trump attacks me almost every single week…It’s cause he sees me as a threat.”

Swalwell also referenced a federal criminal referral for alleged mortgage and tax fraud related to his purchase of a $1.2 million home in D.C. by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as one of the many jabs from Trump.

“I’ll be a fighter and protector for California, as I have always been,” Swalwell said, angling for an anti-Trump appeal to voters.

The California Post reached out to the FBI for comment.

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