California's campaign finance and political ethics watchdog has opened a formal investigation into Westminster Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen, North OC Pulse has learned.

In a letter dated April 8, 2026, obtained exclusively by this publication, the Fair Political Practices Commission notified the complainant that its Enforcement Division will investigate the allegations in a sworn complaint filed against Nguyen. The case has been assigned FPPC Case No. 2026-00278.

"This letter is to notify you that the Enforcement Division of the Fair Political Practices Commission will investigate the allegation(s), under the jurisdiction of the Commission, of the sworn complaint you submitted in the above-referenced matter," wrote Kendall L.D. Bonebrake, Chief of the FPPC's Enforcement Division.

The letter was addressed to the complainant and carbon-copied to Chi Charlie Nguyen. Bonebrake noted that the Commission has "not made any determination about the validity of the allegation(s)" at this time and that a final notification will follow upon disposition of the case.

The FPPC is the state agency responsible for enforcing California's campaign finance laws, conflict-of-interest rules, and financial disclosure requirements for public officials.

Nguyen, 55, is currently serving as Mayor of Westminster. He announced his candidacy for California's 45th Congressional District in August 2025 and is among the Republicans seeking the seat.