Eric Swalwell accused of sexual assault by former staffer in new report

Gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell is again denying allegations of misconduct following a Friday report that he allegedly sexually assaulted a former staffer, as calls mount for him to exit the race.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the woman worked for Swalwell for two years and alleged she had sexual encounters with him during her employment. She told the outlet that Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent. The woman was not publicly identified.

"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," Swalwell said in a statement. "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."

Later the same evening, Swalwell would release a video on social media where he once again denied the allegations against him, saying they are "flat false." He added that he's made mistakes in the past, but that they are between him and his wife. He issued an apology to his wife for "putting her in this position." 

The woman told the Chronicle she worked for Swalwell in 2019 when she was 21. According to the report, she alleged that Swalwell messaged her on social media, sending explicit photos and asking her for nude photos.

In an interview with CNN, she detailed the most recent incident.

"I decided to ask him to meet me for a drink. I did this because I was so far removed from what had happened in 2019. I felt safe because I was established. I had a partner. I felt more secure that I could have a strictly professional relationship with this person. After that bar closed, we went to another, I went to the bathroom. And I don’t remember anything after that," she said. 

CNN also reported Friday that three more women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct. One alleged incident involved a woman who connected with Swalwell online and ended up intoxicated inside his hotel room after spending the evening together. She told the outlet she could not recall what happened afterward, but said that earlier that night, he had kissed her and touched her leg without her consent.

Previous allegations

The backstory:

The reports follow social media accusations from weeks ago alleging the East Bay congressman acted inappropriately toward staff members and other women. Some of those claims suggested victims had signed nondisclosure agreements.

None of the social media claims included specific examples, and they have not been independently verified by KTVU.

Swalwell addressed those allegations during a town hall in Sacramento on Tuesday night.

"It’s false, and some of the allegations are that we had NDAs. Never. Never been an allegation, never been a settlement," Swalwell said. "If they’re internet rumors, why even come out and address it? I don’t want there to be any question in the minds of Californians. I’m offering myself as someone who is fearlessly going to stand up for Californians and, on the toughest issues, not flinch."

It remains unclear if the social media allegations are tied to the accusations made in the Chronicle report.

Political fallout and calls to withdraw

Local perspective:

Recent polls show Swalwell among the top Democratic contenders in the race for governor, alongside fellow Democrat and billionaire Tom Steyer. However, Friday’s report prompted a wave of condemnation from his opponents.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan was among the first to call for Swalwell to exit the race.

"To the survivor who risked everything to come forward – I believe you," Mahan posted on X. "To the Democratic Party – you’d better hold him accountable. If we don’t, we have no credibility asking anyone else to do the same. To @ericswalwell – drop out,"

Republican contender Steve Hilton also criticized the congressman's candidacy.

"It’s incredible to me that Eric Swalwell thought he could run for Governor of California while all this was going on," Hilton said, adding that the situation showed "complete contempt" for the public.

Other candidates, including Tony Thurmond, Betty Yee, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, also demanded Swalwell’s immediate resignation from both the race and Congress. Yee described the allegations as "sickening," while Bianco said his "heart goes out to the victims."

Political experts believe the allegations have dramatically changed the dynamics of the governor’s race. With Swalwell’s campaign in turmoil, other candidates are poised to capitalize. Billionaire Tom Steyer, who has seen a rise in support, and Congresswoman Katie Porter, both of whom were already strong contenders, are expected to gain ground.

"I think it’s extraordinary, the speed at which the bottom dropped out of his support, just unbelievable. Adam Schiff’s gone. Nancy Pelosi is gone. His co-chair, Jimmy Gomez, is out. I mean, people just read this, and I read the Chronicle story as well today. It’s abhorrent. It’s not who should be representing the face of American politics. And, you know, rush to judgment maybe, but there’s some serious stuff in there that seems to be her word against his, and he’s done nothing, I think, so far, to mitigate the damages anywhere," said democratic consultant Ed Emerson. 

Meanwhile, political analysts are keeping a close eye on the next steps for Swalwell’s rivals, especially as undecided voters account for nearly 20% of the electorate. With the primary election looming, this race is still in flux, but Swalwell’s path forward remains uncertain.

Democratic leaders distance themselves

What they're saying:

The report has caused a fracture within Swalwell's own party. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi called for an investigation and said Swalwell shouldn't be involved in the race.

"The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard," Pelosi said. "This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability. As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign."

Sen. Alex Padilla and gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter also called for Swalwell to step aside to ensure a transparent investigation. Porter further accused Swalwell of attempting to "silence and retaliate" against victims.

California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks called the allegations "deeply disturbing," stating that any person engaged in misconduct must be held accountable, "including a Member of Congress."

Campaign resignations and loss of support

The internal collapse of Swalwell’s campaign began Friday when his campaign chair, Jimmy Gomez, resigned.

"I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign," Gomez said. "The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay."

Major endorsements are also being rescinded. The California Teachers Association and SEIU California both suspended campaign activities and expenditures related to Swalwell. CTA President David Goldberg called the allegations "unacceptable," and Sen. Adam Schiff, a longtime ally, also withdrew his support.

Swalwell's campaign has stopped accepting donations. Mail-in voting in California begins next month, ahead of the June 2 primary.

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