Full Breakdown
Eric Swalwell's Campaign Under Scrutiny for Donations from CCP-Tied Law Firm
1/17/2026, 8:46:42 AM
Campaign Contributions from DeHeng Law Offices
Representative Eric Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign has come under scrutiny following the acceptance of nearly $15,000 in donations from the DeHeng Law Offices, a California-based firm with significant ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). A recent filing revealed that Swalwell's campaign received $9,999 from the firm on December 30, 2022. Keliang "Clay" Zhu, a partner at DeHeng, contributed $5,000 to Swalwell's campaign in November 2022 and has a history of donating over $10,000 to Swalwell’s House campaigns.
DeHeng Law Offices, originally founded as the China Law Office by the CCP’s Ministry of Justice in the early 1990s, has maintained close cooperation with Chinese government entities and state-owned enterprises. Zhu's professional background includes facilitating investments by Chinese firms in the United States, with claims of assisting in over $9 billion in investments across various sectors, including artificial intelligence and biopharmaceuticals.
Background on Keliang Zhu and DeHeng Law Offices
Zhu has publicly opposed state-level legislation aimed at restricting Chinese land ownership in the United States, labeling such laws as "unfair, unconstitutional, and un-American." His involvement in high-profile cases, such as representing WeChat users against a ban imposed by the Trump administration, further highlights his connections to Chinese interests. National security experts have raised alarms about the implications of Chinese investments in U.S. land, particularly near military bases.
Criticism and Calls for Reform
Michael Lucci, a China expert and founder of State Armor Action, criticized Swalwell for accepting donations from a firm associated with the CCP, urging Congress to reform campaign finance laws to classify such donations as bribes. Lucci emphasized the need for stricter regulations to prevent foreign adversaries from influencing U.S. politics. He stated, "Congressman Swalwell must finally stop playing footsie with America’s foremost adversary: Communist China."
Official Statements and Responses
Swalwell has previously faced scrutiny regarding his ties to China, particularly due to his past association with Christine Fang, a Chinese national linked to a counterintelligence investigation. While Swalwell has claimed he severed ties upon receiving warnings from U.S. intelligence, he was removed from the House Intelligence Committee by Republican leadership due to these concerns. Lucci has called for Swalwell to donate the funds received from DeHeng Law Offices to organizations opposing communism.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While Swalwell's campaign has not publicly responded to inquiries regarding the donations, the implications of accepting funds from a CCP-affiliated firm continue to raise questions about foreign influence in U.S. politics. The lack of a response from both Swalwell and Zhu leaves gaps in understanding their positions on these donations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “campaign finance laws to define donations made on behalf of foreign adversaries to be bribes.” — Michael Lucci, China Expert
- “All Asian Americans will feel the stigma and the chilling effect created by this Florida law, just like the discriminatory laws did to our ancestors more than a hundred years ago,” — Keliang "Clay" Zhu, Partner at DeHeng Law Offices
- “We shall not go back.” — Keliang "Clay" Zhu, regarding anti-land grab legislation.
