The number of robocalls in the United States saw a significant decline in October 2025, coinciding with independent congressional candidate Eric J. Troutman‘s campaign against unwanted calls in California’s 47th Congressional District. According to YouMail’s Robocall Index, just under 3.8 billion robocalls were recorded in October, marking a nearly 24% decrease compared to October 2024 and the lowest level since December 2023. Troutman believes this drop is a direct result of his campaign efforts.
Earlier in the year, robocalls reached alarming levels, with monthly totals from January to June 2025 running approximately 8–11% higher than the same months in 2024. April alone saw nearly 5 billion robocalls, the highest since mid-2023. Following Troutman’s announcement of his candidacy on July 4, 2025, the trend began to shift. In July, call volumes plateaued compared to the previous year, and by August, they had fallen to around 4.1 billion, which represented a decrease of over 6% from August 2024.
Troutman argues that the steep drop in robocalls is evidence that the industry is responding to his campaign. “It’s pretty obvious what’s going on here,” Troutman stated. “Robocallers are terrified. They know the Czar is coming after them and will put a stop to their nonsense once and for all.” Known in industry circles as “the Czar,” Troutman has built a reputation as a telecom and privacy lawyer specializing in robocall and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) cases.
His campaign is focused on bringing attention to the issue of unwanted calls and enforcing stricter regulations against them. “When the Czar speaks, everyone listens,” he said, emphasizing that his congressional run sends a strong deterrent signal to those engaged in illegal telemarketing. Troutman believes that a telecom enforcement specialist in Congress would lead to more robust actions against scam and unwanted calls.
Despite Troutman’s claims, YouMail does not attribute the decline in robocalls to any specific campaign or candidate. The organization cites a combination of enforcement efforts and evolving patterns in telemarketing as significant factors in the decrease. Troutman’s assertions about robocallers reacting to his candidacy are his interpretation of the timing rather than an established conclusion by YouMail.
Troutman also runs TCPAWorld.com, a blog dedicated to tracking developments in robocall enforcement and compliance, and co-founded the law firm Troutman Amin, LLP. His work focuses on federal and state regulations affecting automated calling and messaging. In his bid for Congress, he aims to elevate the issue of robocalls in Washington and advocate for clearer rules that protect consumers and support legitimate businesses.
California’s 47th Congressional District includes parts of coastal Orange County, such as Irvine and nearby cities, and is considered a competitive electoral seat. Troutman is challenging Democratic incumbent Dave Min, having criticized Min on various issues, including public safety and ethics. He asserts that voters concerned about robocalls should consider electing a candidate with expertise in telecom law.
Even with the recent decline in robocalls, the problem remains significant. YouMail’s data indicates that a majority of robocalls continue to fall within scam or telemarketing categories, which most consumers prefer to avoid. The gap between Troutman’s promise to “end” robocalls and the current reality highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing this pervasive issue.
As the race for California’s 47th District progresses toward the 2026 elections, voters will weigh Troutman’s “Czar” brand and his commitment to reducing unwanted calls against broader concerns such as economic stability, crime rates, and party control in Congress. The outcome may determine whether his campaign can effectively resonate with constituents looking for a solution to the robocall epidemic.
