WASHINGTON, D.C. — Attorneys for U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell issued a cease-and-desist letter to FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday, demanding that Patel halt the Trump administration's effort to release decade-old FBI records related to Swalwell and alleged links to a Chinese agent.

The records stem from an FBI investigation into a suspected spy who had developed relationships with U.S. politicians and assisted Swalwell with fundraising. An FBI official said Swalwell cooperated with the investigation and was not suspected of wrongdoing. Swalwell cut off contact with the suspected spy after speaking to the FBI.

"Your attempt to release the file is a transparent attempt to smear him and undermine his campaign for governor of California," attorneys for Swalwell wrote in the cease-and-desist letter to Patel.

Swalwell, who is one of at least eight Democrats running for governor of California, suggested the Trump administration's effort to release the records is part of President Trump's effort to target political opponents. "The reason Trump is so desperately trying to stop me is not because I'm running for governor of California but because now I'm the favorite. But Donald Trump and Kash Patel do not get to pick the next governor. Californians do," Swalwell said.

U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin criticized the administration's actions. "The FBI is attempting to smear a sitting US congressman, candidate for governor, and vocal opponent of the president. What the hell does that have to do with law enforcement? This is plain weaponization of the FBI for partisan political purposes," Raskin said.

There is no public evidence of wrongdoing on Swalwell's part in relation to the FBI investigation. Swalwell is an outspoken critic of Donald Trump.