Eric Swalwell Misconduct Investigations

Six California governor candidates debated misconduct, housing and homelessness in Los Angeles on April 22, 2026. Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco faced Democrats Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra and Matt Mahan. Moderators pressed candidates on allegations tied to former contender Eric Swalwell and on failures and costs in state homelessness policy. A tense exchange centered on Becerra's remark that "many of us heard the rumors" about Swalwell. When pressed by moderator Nikki Laurenzo, Becerra said "rumors are not facts" and argued only law enforcement can investigate when someone comes forward. Meanwhile, a conservative group filed an ethics complaint asking federal investigators to probe whether Swalwell used his office to promote his Findraiser AI startup. Swalwell has resigned from Congress and is under investigation by Los Angeles and Manhattan prosecutors and by the Justice Department.