Former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) paid $40,000 in campaign funds to a Los Angeles attorney who publicly defended him against sexual assault allegations, according to a recent financial disclosure cited in the report.
The payment reportedly came from Swalwell’s now-abandoned campaign for governor of California.
The money went to attorney Sara Azari, who the report says specializes in sexual misconduct allegations in the post-#MeToo legal environment.
Azari later appeared on NewsNation and strongly defended Swalwell.
During the interview, she argued that remorse or embarrassment after consensual encounters should not be equated with sexual assault.
She stated, “regret is not rape,” while suggesting some accusations stemmed from later shame rather than criminal conduct.
Azari also said Swalwell stepping aside demonstrated accountability because he could not properly defend himself and simultaneously represent constituents while facing serious accusations.
The allegations against Swalwell came from multiple women, according to the report.
One accuser, identified as a Los Angeles model, alleged that Swalwell drugged, raped, and choked her at a West Hollywood hotel.
Other women reportedly made separate misconduct claims that damaged his political standing.
Swalwell has denied the allegations.
According to the report, he acknowledged only “mistakes in judgment” from the past while rejecting claims of assault.
The controversy reportedly ended his gubernatorial campaign and derailed his political future.
The report states he is facing criminal investigations in Los Angeles and New York, along with a Justice Department inquiry into alleged sexual misconduct.
Those matters would remain allegations unless charges are formally filed and proven in court.
Swalwell’s former congressional seat is now vacant, according to the source.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has reportedly scheduled a special election in August to fill the seat, per the New York Post.
The story also raises questions about campaign finance use.
Campaign funds are often allowed for certain legal or communications expenses if connected to public office or campaign matters, but those uses can become politically controversial.
Critics frequently argue that donor money should not be used for personal scandal defense.
Supporters often counter that allegations tied to a candidate’s political role can require a professional response.
The $40,000 payment stands out because it was not for courtroom defense but for media and reputational protection during a public scandal.
That suggests Swalwell’s team viewed public narrative management as urgent.
The report also says Swalwell has largely disappeared from public view since the accusations surfaced.
His family was recently seen traveling without him after a vacation in Mexico, according to the source.
At this point, the verified political fact is that the allegations carried heavy consequences regardless of legal outcome.
