Published on March 31, 2026
California gubernatorial candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell has accused former President Donald Trump of attempting to manipulate the upcoming governor’s race in California through the release of outdated FBI files. Swalwell’s assertion comes in response to a push from FBI Director Kash Patel to make public case files that date back nearly a decade.
Swalwell, a Democrat and currently serving in Congress, characterized the move as part of a broader strategy distract from pressing issues and undermine his political opponents. He argued that the timing of this request is suspicious, as it coincides with an election cycle that will determine California’s next governor.
“Releasing these old files seems less about transparency and more about attempting to delegitimize candidates who stand in Trump’s way,” Swalwell stated during a press conference. He emphasized that such tactics are detrimental to the democratic process and distract voters from the issues that matter most to them.
The decade-old files are related to FBI investigations that have since concluded, raising questions about their relevance and the motivations behind their potential release. Swalwell contends that this attempt to bring up past controversies is a calculated move to sway public opinion and generate a narrative that could harm his chances and those of other candidates.
Supporters of Trump, however, argue that making historical files public is a step toward accountability and transparency in government. They believe that voters deserve to see all available information about candidates as they make decisions at the polls.
As the California gubernatorial race heats up, Swalwell’s accusations may resonate with voters who are concerned about the integrity of the electoral process. With early voting approaching and the political landscape constantly evolving, the ramifications of these claims could shape the future of the race and the dynamics within California politics.
Swalwell remains focused on his campaign message, emphasizing the importance of addressing pressing state issues such as housing, education, and healthcare, rather than getting bogged down the past.
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