A New Look at Swalwell’s Ties to Early Supporter Later Convicted of Illegal Campaign Contributions

A decade-old clash involving Eric Swalwell gains fresh scrutiny after a key early supporter’s campaign finance conviction, and lingering questions about how it may have been tied to Fang Fang

☕️MORNING BUZZ

Vol. VI, No. 1,232

—On a rainy night in April 2012, during what would be Pete Stark’s final campaign, the veteran congressman leveled a stunning accusation at his young challenger, then Dublin Councilmember Eric Swalwell.

“If I were a lawyer, I would call that bribery,” Stark said, alleging Swalwell traded favorable zoning decisions for campaign money from a well-connected Tri-Valley developer.

Swalwell, visibly rattled, pushed back. “As far as I know, I have not accepted any bribes,” he told the packed Hayward City Council chambers, adding, “Maybe the F.B.I. is waiting for me outside.”

At the time, the exchange seemed like classic campaign-season theatrics. But years later, elements of Stark’s claims took on new weight.

—In 2019, Tri-Valley developer James Tong—one of the donors referenced during that forum—was convicted of illegally funneling $38,000 in campaign contributions to Swalwell’s 2012 and 2014 campaigns through so-called “straw donors,” far exceeding legal limits.

Federal investigators began examining Tong’s activities as early as 2013. Despite that, contributions tied to Tong continued to flow to Swalwell’s campaign, including thousands of dollars during his 2014 re-election and afterward.

Swalwell has said he had no knowledge of Tong’s illegal fundraising activity. Still, Tong was among his earliest and most significant backers, contributing through a political action committee that helped launch Swalwell’s upstart congressional run.

Records also show financial support from associates tied to Tong’s development network, including members of a prominent Tri-Valley landowning family.

—The episode intersects with another controversy: allegations that Christine Fang, who later came under FBI scrutiny, helped bundle contributions for Swalwell’s 2014 campaign—though no wrongdoing by Swalwell has been formally established in that matter.

What once looked like political bluster now reads, in part, as an early warning—raising enduring questions about campaign money, influence, and oversight that continue to shadow Swalwell’s rise.

Back in 2012, the clash ended on a bitter note. As the forum wrapped, Swalwell approached Stark to shake hands. Stark’s response, according to those present, was blunt—he called his opponent a “fucking crook.”

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—More inside:

• COUNTY NEWS: Consultant recommends office of unincorporated services should start as a pilot program.

• CITY NEWS: An Oakland plan to crack down on sideshow spectators.

• County commission may enter fray over future use of shuttered Hayward golf course.

• San Leandro still can’t catch a break. More bad news at City Hall.

• D.C. NEWS: Khanna has a pen pal at Buckingham Palace.

• CAMPAIGN FINANCE: Form 497 large campaign contributions filed on March 30:

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—EPISODE 127—A fast-moving look at California’s governor’s race, including questions around Eric Swalwell’s lack of scrutiny and whether Matt Mahan’s big spending is falling flat—plus early predictions. Plus, segments on Oakland, the FBI, and San Leandro’s newest councilmember.

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