Independent congressional candidate Eric J. Troutman has claimed early success in his campaign against robocalls, following significant drops in the volume of such calls across the United States. According to new data from YouMail, robocalls fell sharply in October 2025, a trend Troutman attributes to his anti-robocall campaign in California’s 47th Congressional District.
Robocalls Reached Lowest Levels Since 2023
The YouMail Robocall Index indicates that Americans faced some of the highest robocall volumes earlier in 2025. Monthly totals from January through June were approximately 8% to 11% higher than the same months in 2024. In April alone, nearly 5 billion robocalls were recorded, marking the highest volume since mid-2023. Although May and June saw slight reductions from this peak, the numbers still surpassed those from the previous year.
Troutman, a telecom and privacy lawyer based in Irvine, announced his candidacy for California’s 47th District on July 4, 2025. He claims that the timing of the decline in robocalls correlates with his campaign. Following his announcement, July’s robocall volumes remained steady compared to July 2024, disrupting a consistent pattern of annual growth. By August, the index recorded approximately 4.1 billion robocalls, a decrease of more than 6% from August 2024. The most significant change occurred in October, where YouMail reported just under 3.8 billion robocalls, nearly 24% lower than October 2024, representing the lowest monthly total since December 2023.
Troutman asserts that this dramatic drop signals an industry reaction to his campaign. “The bad guys know the Czar is coming after them,” he stated, referencing his self-styled title as “the Czar” of robocall enforcement. He believes that his congressional candidacy sends a strong deterrent message to unscrupulous operators.
Understanding the Context of the Decline
While Troutman links the decline to his campaign, YouMail does not attribute the October drop to any specific candidate or campaign. Instead, the organization cites broader enforcement efforts, carrier strategies, and shifts in scam and telemarketing activities as contributing factors. Troutman’s assertions reflect his interpretation of the data rather than a consensus from YouMail.
Troutman’s Campaign Focused on Robocall Enforcement
In addition to his political ambitions, Troutman runs TCPAWorld.com, a blog that monitors developments in robocall and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) enforcement. He also co-founded the law firm Troutman Amin, LLP. His reputation in the telecom industry—stemming from his work on high-stakes robocall and TCPA cases—has earned him the nickname “the Czar.” He aims to bring his expertise to Washington, advocating for stricter regulations against unwanted calls.
His campaign website, TroutmanForAmerica.com, emphasizes the need for clearer rules for legitimate businesses and a crackdown on bad-faith callers. Troutman argues that his presence in Congress could significantly alter the landscape of robocall enforcement. “When the Czar speaks, everyone listens,” he remarked, asserting that his election would signal the end of unscrupulous practices in the industry.
The Race for California’s 47th District
California’s 47th Congressional District encompasses parts of coastal Orange County, including Irvine and nearby cities. The district is considered competitive, and Troutman is running as an independent candidate. He has been critical of the incumbent, Dave Min, addressing various issues, including public safety and ethics. By adding robocall enforcement to his platform, Troutman seeks to appeal to voters concerned about unwanted calls.
“Everyone expects me to beat Dave Min. This doesn’t look to be a close race,” Troutman stated confidently. He warned that if the Democrats retain control of the seat, robocall numbers could rise again, which he believes would negatively impact constituents.
Ongoing Challenges Despite October’s Decline
Even with the decline reported in October, robocalls remain a significant issue in the United States. YouMail’s data indicates that more than half of all robocalls fall into scam or telemarketing categories, which many consumers wish to avoid. The gap between Troutman’s promise to “end” robocalls and the current reality highlights the ongoing challenges.
As the race for California’s 47th District progresses toward the 2026 election, voters will consider whether Troutman’s “Czar” brand and his commitment to tackle robocalls resonate alongside pressing concerns like the economy, crime, and party control of Congress.
