• Rep. Eric Swalwell spent more than $20,000 in campaign funds at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California, according to FEC filings 
  • Documents also show his campaign spent $7000 at D.C. restaurants in the second quarter of 2021 
  • The campaign also spent $10,000 on 26 trips with limousine services 

California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell spent more than $20,000 in campaign funds at the hotel where his wife works and also splashed out on booze and limo services, FEC filings suggest.

The filings show Swalwell, 40, spent money at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California, where his wife Brittany has been the director of sales since 2015, according to her LinkedIn profile, and dropped $7,000 at restaurants and steakhouses in D.C. during the second quarter of 2021.

The tally includes 13 meals at restaurants including Charlie Palmer Steak, O-Ku Sushi and STK Steakhouse in downtown New York City.

The records released on Thursday also show Swalwell spent $10,000 on 26 trips with limousine services and luxury car services.

Swalwell’s campaign also spent $566 on ‘Food and Beverage’ on the alcohol delivery service Drizly and $1,151 on refreshments during seven trips to Capitol Hill Wine and Spirits, which is located near Congress.

FEC filings suggest Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign spent more than $20,000 at the hotel where his wife Brittany has been the director of sales since 2015
FEC filings suggest Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign spent more than $20,000 at the hotel where his wife Brittany has been the director of sales since 2015

The filings also included $205 for ‘Supporter Appreciations’ at The Knot website where couples publish their wedding registries.

Swalwell was at one time seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. He launched a presidential run in 2019, setting himself up as the candidate for a younger generation, but dropped out as his star was eclipsed by the likes of Beto O’Rourke and Pete Buttigieg.

Earlier this month it was reported that Swalwell, his wife and other members of Congress traveled to Qatar on a trip funded by the U.S.-Qatar Business Council.

Photographs of him posing shirtless while riding a camel went viral, attracting a backlash at a time when many Americans are unable to travel overseas because of pandemic restrictions.

The trip was paid for by the U.S.-Qatar Business Council, and included three other lawmakers.

Although the visit was approved by the House Ethics Committee, including personal time, the rules ban private groups from paying for entertainment during what are meant to be business trips.