Eric Swalwell Denies Sexual Assault Allegations Amid Calls to Quit California Governor Race
WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, a frontrunner in California’s wide-open gubernatorial race, is facing explosive sexual assault allegations from a former staffer, prompting urgent calls from fellow Democrats, labor unions and campaign supporters to withdraw from the contest and even resign from Congress.[1][2][3]
The accusations, first detailed in a San Francisco Chronicle report published Friday afternoon, center on an unnamed former staff member who claims Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two occasions—once in 2019 and again in 2024—when she was too intoxicated to consent. The woman, who was 21 and fresh out of college when she first joined Swalwell’s brief 2019 presidential campaign, described a pattern of advances via Snapchat and in person while she worked in his East Bay district office in Castro Valley.[1][5][6]
“No one protected me from him, and so I have to protect the other young women like me who aspire to work in this field and he could prey upon,” the accuser told the Chronicle, speaking on condition of anonymity as an alleged victim of sexual assault.[5]
Multiple Accusations Surface
Later Friday, CNN aired an interview with the same woman and reported additional claims from three other females alleging sexual misconduct by Swalwell. These included sending unsolicited nude photos and explicit text messages.[1][5][6]
One of those women described an incident where Swalwell touched and kissed her at a bar before she awoke in his hotel room with no memory of how she got there.[6] The allegations come amid weeks of swirling social media rumors about inappropriate behavior with female staffers, which Swalwell’s team had previously dismissed as “false, outrageous” claims, denying any NDAs or settlements.[3]
Swalwell, 47, who is married with three children and 17 years older than his primary accuser, vehemently denied the charges in an emailed statement to multiple outlets. “These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” he said. “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. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”[1][2][3]
Democratic Backlash and Campaign Fallout
The scandal has triggered a rapid unraveling of Swalwell’s support base less than two months before California’s June 2 primary. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), who served as a campaign chair for Swalwell’s bid, called the accusations “shocking” and “the ugliest and most serious imaginable,” demanding he exit the race immediately and cutting ties with the campaign.[2]
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) expressed being “deeply distressed” and urged Swalwell to withdraw, while Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) called for him to step aside for a “full, transparent investigation free from undue influence.”[2][5]
Fellow gubernatorial candidates piled on: Billionaire Tom Steyer, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan all called for Swalwell to drop out.[5] Even California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks, while not explicitly demanding resignation, labeled the claims “deeply disturbing” and reiterated calls for non-viable candidates to exit—widely seen as a pointed reference to Swalwell.[3]
Major endorsements evaporated swiftly. The California Teachers Association (CTA) suspended its support, with President David Goldberg deeming the allegations “incredibly disturbing and unacceptable.” SEIU California followed suit, pausing backing from powerful labor groups that had propelled Swalwell near the top of polls since he jumped into the race in November.[3][5]
Sources close to the campaign confirmed multiple resignations this week as rumors intensified, though Gov. Gavin Newsom stopped short of calling for Swalwell’s withdrawal, instead noting the “gravity” of the claims.[5]
Timing Raises Questions
Swalwell portrayed the timing as suspicious, noting the story broke “on the eve of an election” in a crowded field where he had garnered recent labor and business support.[2][3] The Chronicle report follows earlier social media whispers of misconduct, which Swalwell publicly refuted earlier in the week, insisting no prior formal complaints or payouts existed.[3]
YouTube videos from local outlets like KCRA and others captured Swalwell’s denials in social media posts, amplifying the story’s reach.[4][7][8]
Impact on Governor’s Race
Once a top-polling Democrat in the successor race to termed-out Gov. Newsom, Swalwell’s campaign now teeters. The East Bay congressman, known for his prosecutorial background and vocal opposition to former President Trump—including impeachment efforts—had positioned himself as a protector of women’s rights.[1]
Analysts say the allegations could reshape the primary, boosting rivals in a contest lacking a clear frontrunner. No formal charges have been filed, and Swalwell has vowed legal defense. As investigations loom, the political fallout continues to mount.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.