U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) is embroiled in controversy as new allegations surface, claiming he misappropriated campaign finances to compensate a live-in nanny who did not possess valid work authorization, according to reports.
The nanny, Amanda Barbosa, 33, originally hails from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, having entered the U.S. in January 2021 under an au pair visa that permitted her to work until December 2022.
Swalwell employed Barbosa in the fall of 2021 to help care for his three children. Review of Federal Election Commission (FEC) records reveals that she was paid $3,914 in campaign funds in 2021, followed by $46,930 in 2022 from the Swalwell campaign. After her visa lapsed, direct payments were halted, yet FEC filings indicate that a total of $52,262 was reimbursed to Swalwell for “childcare” expenses from 2023 to 2024.
In 2025, following the approval of Barbara’s permanent labor certification allowing her to work legally, she received an additional $38,905 from campaign funds.
Photographs from 2023 and 2024, some of which have been removed, show Barbosa still caring for Swalwell’s children at family functions, including White House picnics and Halloween activities.
Three complaints have been lodged regarding these practices. On February 16, California filmmaker Joel Gilbert made a complaint to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), asserting that Swalwell financially supported Barbosa for nearly two years while she was unauthorized to work.
This complaint suggests that Swalwell was employing and harboring a person without legal status, pointing to the photos that showcase Barbosa’s continued involvement with the family. On April 8, a second complaint was filed with the Department of Labor, accusing Swalwell and his spouse, Brittany, of misleading authorities to keep Barbosa employed beyond her temporary work authorization.
A third concern was raised in February 2026 with the FEC, alleging that over $200,000 of campaign funds were misused for personal babysitting, significantly exceeding what is allowable under a 2022 FEC advisory ruling.
🚨 OMG. As if it couldn’t get any WORSE for Eric Swalwell: He is now accused of violating IMMIGRATION and EMPLOYMENT law to keep an illegal alien nanny from Brazil in America
This dude is so COOKED!
A DHS complaint claims Swalwell paid her UNDER THE TABLE with CAMPAIGN FUNDS… pic.twitter.com/Tb16lx3iMa
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 11, 2026
These latest allegations compound the troubles for Swalwell, whose political prospects have drastically declined amid several serious accusations of sexual misconduct.
Reports from various sources have revealed claims from four women. One former staff member, who began working in Swalwell’s office at age 21, detailed two alleged instances of sexual assault committed when she was incapable of consent due to intoxication.
One alleged incident took place in 2019 while she was employed by Swalwell, and the other occurred in April 2024 in a hotel room following an awards ceremony. A report by CNN has also brought forward claims from three other women regarding unwanted advances, inappropriate encounters involving intoxication, and unsolicited explicit materials.
These allegations are currently under investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Swalwell has adamantly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the accusations are rooted in political motivation. Despite his claims, his gubernatorial aspirations appear to be in jeopardy, with many key endorsements rescinded and numerous senior aides resigning from his campaign. Both sides of the political aisle are calling for his resignation.
