Eric Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations from Ex-Staffer as California Gubernatorial Campaign Crumbles
Los Angeles, CA – A former staffer for Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), a leading contender in California’s fiercely competitive gubernatorial race, has accused the congressman of sexually assaulting her on two occasions, sending shockwaves through the Democratic primary and prompting a cascade of campaign resignations and endorsements withdrawals.
The allegations, first detailed in a San Francisco Chronicle investigation published Friday, describe incidents in 2019 and 2024 involving a woman who worked in Swalwell’s Castro Valley district office.[1][2]
Details of the Allegations
The ex-staffer, who was 21 when hired in 2019, told the Chronicle that Swalwell quickly initiated contact by sending her messages and nude photos via Snapchat. In September 2019, after drinks with the congressman, she blacked out and awoke naked in his hotel bed, feeling the effects of intercourse, according to the report.[1]
The second incident allegedly occurred in 2024 at a charity event honoring Swalwell. No longer employed by him, she met him for drinks afterward. Intoxicated, she recalled him forcing himself upon her; she pushed him away and said “No,” per the Chronicle’s account.[1]
The newspaper corroborated her claims with contemporaneous text messages to a friend, interviews with that friend and her then-boyfriend, and medical records showing a pregnancy test and STD screening a week after the 2024 incident. The woman said she remained silent due to fears of professional and personal repercussions.[1]
Three other women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including sending unsolicited nude photos, according to CNN reports cited in multiple outlets.[1]
Campaign in Freefall
The revelations have triggered immediate fallout for Swalwell’s campaign. Campaign manager Gomez resigned Friday, stating, “Today I learned shocking information about Eric Swalwell containing the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable. My involvement in any campaign begins and ends with trust. I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign.”[2]
Prominent supporters followed suit. The California Medical Association, which had invested over $1 million in a pro-Swalwell committee, called an emergency board meeting. The California Teachers Association suspended its endorsement, with President David Goldberg declaring, “The allegations are incredibly disturbing and unacceptable against Rep. Swalwell. We are immediately suspending our support.”[2]
California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks described the claims as “deeply disturbing” and hinted at Swalwell’s viability, reiterating calls for non-viable candidates to exit the race.[2]
Swalwell’s Denial and Prior Rumors
Swalwell’s campaign issued a statement denying the allegations: “These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor. For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action.”[2]
Prior to the Chronicle report, rumors had circulated for weeks on social media and in political circles. Political media personality Cheyenne Hunt, a former Capitol Hill staffer, amplified claims last week, alleging Swalwell had a “known history of being predatory towards women” and citing anonymous messages about advances on interns and NDAs.[6]
Swalwell’s attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter Thursday to at least one accuser, and the congressman denounced online claims of inappropriate relationships with young staffers two days earlier.[1]
A campaign spokesperson rejected earlier rumors as “false, outrageous” spread by opponents and “MAGA conspiracy theorists” ahead of the election.[6]
Spotlight on Personal Life
The scandal has renewed scrutiny of Swalwell’s family life. He is married to Brittany Watts, and the couple has three children. Watts, a nonprofit executive, has largely stayed out of the political spotlight, but the allegations have drawn attention to their household amid the campaign turmoil.[3]
Calls for Resignation Mount
San Francisco leaders and others are calling for Swalwell to resign from Congress or drop out of the race. ABC7 reported mounting pressure following the Chronicle story, with YouTube videos from local outlets like KRON 4 detailing the ex-staffer’s claims.[4][5][7]
Swalwell, a former presidential candidate known for his role in Donald Trump’s first impeachment, had positioned himself as a Democratic front-runner in the 2026 governor’s race. Polls prior to the allegations showed him leading, but the timing – weeks before voting – amplifies the political damage.[1][2][6]
Broader Implications for California Politics
This is not Swalwell’s first controversy. He faced national scrutiny over a past relationship with a suspected Chinese spy, Fang Fang, though federal investigations cleared him of wrongdoing. The current allegations strike at the heart of power dynamics in congressional offices, raising questions about staff protections and accountability.[1]
As the Democratic primary field remains crowded, rivals may capitalize on the chaos. The California governor’s race, overseeing the world’s fifth-largest economy, is pivotal for Democrats aiming to maintain control post-Newsom.
Swalwell’s team has not responded to further inquiries on staff departures. No criminal charges have been filed, and the congressman maintains his innocence. The story continues to develop as investigations and legal responses unfold.
This article will be updated as new information emerges.