Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate for governor of California, denied allegations of sexual misconduct Friday after multiple women accused him of inappropriate behavior, including claims of assault and harassment.
The allegations, first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and later expanded by CNN, include claims from a former congressional aide who said she had sexual encounters with Swalwell while working for him and alleged he assaulted her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent.
Swalwell, in statements to both outlets, said the claims are false.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” he said, adding that he plans to defend himself and pursue legal action if necessary.
Multiple accusations surface
The former aide, who worked in Swalwell’s office from 2019 to 2021, told the Chronicle she woke up in his hotel room after a night of drinking in 2019 with no memory of events but believed intercourse had occurred. She also alleged a second encounter in 2024 in which she recalled telling Swalwell to stop during sex.
The newspaper reported reviewing text messages and medical records related to the incidents.
CNN later reported allegations from three additional women, including one who said Swalwell kissed her without consent and another who accused him of sending unsolicited explicit videos. CNN said it corroborated aspects of the accounts through interviews and messages.
Swalwell’s attorney denied the accusations, saying he has never engaged in nonconsensual sex or had sexual relationships with staff members.
Political fallout intensifies
The allegations triggered swift backlash from within Swalwell’s own party, with several prominent Democrats calling on him to withdraw from the gubernatorial race.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the matter should be investigated outside the context of an ongoing campaign and suggested he step aside.
House Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, issued a joint statement calling for a “swift investigation” and urging Swalwell to end his campaign.
Reps. Jimmy Gomez and Adam Gray stepped down from campaign leadership roles, while Sen. Ruben Gallego withdrew his endorsement.
Labor groups, including the California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Labor Unions, also moved to reconsider or suspend their support.
Campaign under pressure
Swalwell’s campaign had issued a preemptive denial earlier in the week amid circulating rumors, calling them “false” and politically motivated. Following the reports, his campaign activity appeared to slow, with advertisements on social media platforms listed as inactive.
The allegations come weeks before California’s June 2 gubernatorial primary, with early voting set to begin May 4.
Swalwell, who has served in Congress since 2013 and previously ran for president in 2020, has been a prominent critic of President Donald Trump and served as an impeachment manager after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Potential congressional action
The controversy could also spill into Congress. Rep. Lauren Boebert said she plans to introduce a resolution to censure Swalwell, which would force a House vote.
A censure would not remove him from office but would formally reprimand him.
With investigations likely and political pressure mounting, Swalwell’s political future — both in Congress and in the governor’s race — remains uncertain.
