Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

Lawyers for California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell have demanded that the FBI halt any plans to release investigative files tied to his past association with a Chinese spy.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: Back in 2012, Eric Swalwell came into contact with Christine Fang, a Chinese national later identified by US intel agencies as a Chinese spy working to build relationships with up-and-coming American politicians. Fang reportedly engaged in local political fundraising, networking, and even helped place an intern in Swalwell’s congressional office during his early campaigns. Investigators later determined she was part of a broader effort to gain influence in US political circles, particularly in California, before she abruptly left the country around 2015 amid scrutiny. Notably, Swalwell refused to confirm or deny reports that he had a sexual relationship with Fang (which some have claimed he did). After being briefed by federal authorities about concerns surrounding Fang, Swalwell cut off all ties and cooperated with investigators, and no evidence of wrongdoing or criminal charges against him were ever found.

What’s going on now: In a notable development, personal lawyers for Congressman Eric Swalwell formally issued a cease-and-desist letter to the FBI, urging the agency to abandon any plans to make public records tied to a years-old inquiry involving his contact with Fang. Addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel, the letter demands written confirmation within a short timeframe that the agency will not proceed, cautioning that moving forward could carry legal consequences for those involved. Swalwell’s attorneys argue that releasing the files would violate federal privacy protections, longstanding Justice Department rules, and internal policies that prohibit actions intended to influence elections.

The legal push comes after reports that Patel has been working to review and potentially release the investigative file, an unusual step given that the probe never resulted in charges. According to those reports, agents have been asked to examine and redact documents in preparation for possible disclosure, raising concerns among Swalwell’s team that the material could be made public despite longstanding norms against releasing such information.

They also say that the timing and intent behind any potential release are politically motivated, arguing it would serve as a deliberate attempt to damage his campaign for governor of California. That claim centers on concerns that releasing uncharged investigative material could shape public perception ahead of the race.

For its part, the FBI has pushed back on some reporting, saying document preparation can occur for various administrative reasons, and it has not confirmed any plan to release the files.