Rep. Eric Swalwell Denies Sexual Assault Claims as Political Allies Withdraw Support

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, denied allegations Friday that he sexually assaulted a former staffer twice — in 2019 and again in 2024 — as prominent party allies withdrew their endorsements and called on him to exit the race. The San Francisco Chronicle first reported the allegations, which were later expanded by CNN to include three additional women accusing Swalwell of separate incidents of sexual misconduct. Swalwell, who represents California's 14th congressional district, called the accusations "flat false" and "absolutely false" in a video posted to social media, while simultaneously apologizing to his wife for unspecified "mistakes in judgment." The scandal erupted weeks before mail-in ballots are set to be sent to voters ahead of the June 2, 2026, California primary.

Former staffer describes hotel room assault in 2024 The former staffer, whose name was not disclosed by either the San Francisco Chronicle or CNN, told the Chronicle that she began working in Swalwell's Castro Valley office in 2019 at the age of 21. She alleged that on one occasion she woke up naked in his hotel room after a night of heavy drinking, with no memory of what had occurred but physical indications that sexual contact had taken place. She later told CNN that during a second encounter in 2024 — following an awards ceremony in New York where Swalwell was being honored — she was so intoxicated she remembered only fragments of the night. „I was pushing him, saying no. He didn't stop.” — Former staffer via Reuters She told the San Francisco Chronicle that she woke the following morning with vaginal bleeding, bruises, and cuts. According to CNN, the woman provided medical records related to examinations for sexually transmitted diseases and a possible pregnancy, and the broadcaster said it corroborated central elements of her account through text messages and statements from friends and relatives. CNN additionally reported that three other women accused Swalwell of separate misconduct, including sending unsolicited explicit photos or videos, and unwanted physical contact — allegations Swalwell also denied.

Schiff, Pelosi, and labor unions pull their backing The political fallout was swift and severe. U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, one of the most prominent California Democrats nationally, withdrew his endorsement and called on Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid, saying he was "deeply distressed" by the allegations. The California Teachers Association and the California Service Employees International Union both suspended their support, while the California Federation of Labor Unions said it was "acting urgently" on next steps. Democratic Representative Jimmy Gomez, who had been helping run Swalwell's campaign, announced he was immediately ending his role. „The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay.” — Jimmy Gomez via AP News House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with Minority Whip Katherine Clark and caucus chair Pete Aguilar, called the allegations "extremely troubling" and stated that "all perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable." Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had not endorsed in the race, said the allegations must be investigated with "full transparency and accountability" and told Swalwell directly that this should be done outside of a gubernatorial campaign. California Governor Gavin Newsom, widely regarded as a likely 2028 presidential candidate, called the allegations from "multiple sources" deeply troubling and said they must be taken seriously.

Swalwell stays silent on exit as primary clock ticks Swalwell did not immediately comply with calls to withdraw, saying on social media that he would spend the weekend with family and friends before sharing an update "very soon." In his video statement, he acknowledged not being "perfect" or a "saint" and said he had "certainly made mistakes in judgment" in the past, but insisted those were matters between himself and his wife. „These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have.” — Eric Swalwell via Politico He framed the allegations as politically motivated, noting they emerged on the eve of the primary for the race to succeed Newsom, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. The California gubernatorial primary operates as a top-two primary, meaning the two candidates with the most votes in June advance to the November general election regardless of party affiliation. Eight prominent Democrats are listed on the June 2 ballot, and Swalwell had been widely considered among the frontrunners before the allegations surfaced. The Wall Street Journal noted it had not independently verified the accusations, and the Associated Press reported it had not been able to independently verify the former staffer's account and identity.

Swalwell has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013, representing districts in the San Francisco Bay Area. He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 election cycle. Nancy Pelosi, who served as House Speaker from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023, appointed Swalwell as an impeachment manager during the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump in 2021, a role that raised his national profile significantly. Adam Schiff has served as a U.S. senator from California since 2024, having previously spent more than two decades in the House of Representatives.

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