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Unclaimed Medals and Personal Items Found in Office
Rep. Aisha Wahab described her first visit to former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s Castro Valley office in August as resembling a "frat house" rather than a Congressional office, citing unemptied trash cans, disorganized drawers, and strewn papers.
During the clearance of the space, Wahab stated that her staff found numerous items left behind by Swalwell. These included wine, Nerf guns, and baby clothes allegedly for Swalwell’s children.
Wahab also reported finding a portrait of former Hayward Police Sgt. Scott Lunger, who was killed in the line of duty in 2015.
Among the most significant findings were military honors. Wahab stated that 19 medals and decorations, including a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal, were left behind in boxes at Swalwell’s former district office.
As of Oct. 14, 2026, these items are currently held in a storage facility in Hayward, Calif., according to Wahab.
Wahab noted that the 19 Congressional Awards were intended for recipients in the 14th Congressional District but never reached their owners. She added that Swalwell’s office had possessed these high military honors for nearly a decade before her team cleared the space.
Resignation and Office Transition
Wahab told Bay Area News Group that Swalwell resigned from California’s 14th Congressional District in April after suspending his gubernatorial campaign following sexual misconduct accusations.
Staff members were notified to pack up by Aug. 18, marking the transition period before Wahab took over the office.
Swalwell’s attorney, Sara Azari, stated that former Congressman Eric Swalwell left immediately upon resignation with no access to office materials. Azari said that matters of clearing the office were left to his former staff.
The discovery of the unclaimed medals and personal effects has drawn attention to the condition of the office upon its turnover. Wahab’s description of the space as disorganized contrasts with the formal nature of a Congressional district office.
