Eric Swalwell has asked the Federal Bureau of Investigation not to release files related to his past association with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, Christine Fang, arguing the disclosure would be politically motivated.

His attorneys sent a cease-and-desist letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, claiming the release would violate legal protections and federal regulations governing investigative records.

Swalwell has denied wrongdoing and says he cooperated with the FBI investigation into Fang, who allegedly sought ties with U.S. politicians.

The dispute comes as Swalwell is running in California’s gubernatorial race, and his lawyers warn the release could improperly influence an election, NBC News has reported.

Neither the FBI nor Swalwell’s office has publicly responded to requests for comment on the matter.