Eric Swalwell’s ‘Zombie Campaign’ Spends Another $150K On Lawyers As Former Congressman Stays Out Of Sight

Former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s dormant congressional campaign continues burning through donor money on legal bills even after the California Democrat left Congress, with new filings showing another roughly $150,000 spent on attorneys as questions continue to surround his political and legal situation.

The spending comes from Swalwell’s congressional campaign committee, which has remained active despite his departure from office. Federal campaign committees can continue operating after a politician leaves Congress, allowing them to pay outstanding expenses and certain legal costs connected to the former officeholder’s political activities.

According to the latest campaign finance disclosures, Swalwell’s committee directed about $150,000 toward legal services during the most recent reporting period. The payments add to an already substantial legal tab accumulated by the committee, making attorneys one of the biggest destinations for money remaining in his political operation.

Swalwell has largely stayed away from the public spotlight as speculation continues over what comes next for the longtime Trump critic. His retreat marks a dramatic change for a Democrat who spent years as one of the most visible members of his party, frequently appearing on cable television and attacking President Trump and congressional Republicans.

The former congressman had also built a national profile through his role in investigations involving President Trump and his brief campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. His aggressive opposition to Trump made him a favorite among liberal activists but also turned him into a frequent target of Republican criticism.

Questions surrounding Swalwell intensified over his past association with suspected Chinese intelligence operative Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang. Swalwell has maintained that he cooperated with federal investigators after being alerted to concerns about Fang and has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the matter.

The continuing legal expenditures are now drawing fresh attention to what critics have dubbed Swalwell’s “zombie campaign.” Even without an active congressional race, the committee remains alive and spending donor cash, with another six-figure round of payments to lawyers ensuring that questions about Swalwell’s future are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.