Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, faces mounting pressure to resign after a former staffer accused him of sexual assault in a report published by the San Francisco Chronicle. The woman, who worked for Swalwell from 2019 to 2021, alleged that he sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. She also claimed that Swalwell sent her inappropriate photos via Snapchat and requested nude images from her.
Swalwell has denied the allegations, calling them "false" and politically motivated. In a statement, he said, "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."
The allegations have led to a mass exodus from Swalwell’s campaign, with multiple senior aides resigning and key endorsements being withdrawn. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who had been supporting Swalwell, stepped down from the campaign and urged Swalwell to exit the race. "Today I learned shocking information about Eric Swalwell containing the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable," Gomez said in a statement. "My involvement in any campaign begins and ends with trust. I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign."
The Chronicle reported that the woman, who was 21 years old when she started working for Swalwell, did not report the incidents to police because she feared she would not be believed. She told the newspaper, "I have no skin in the game of who becomes governor of California, but I feel people have a right to know whether the person who leads a state that is a safe haven for so many women actually treats women with dignity and will protect their rights."
Swalwell’s attorney sent a cease and desist letter to an unknown individual demanding that they stop accusing the congressman of sexual assault. The letter stated that the allegations were false and threatened legal action. Swalwell’s campaign has not responded to requests for further comment.
The allegations have sparked calls for Swalwell to drop out of the gubernatorial race. Democratic strategist Bhavik Lathia said, "Eric Swalwell should immediately drop out. It is damning." Former San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, another Democratic candidate for governor, also called on Swalwell to withdraw from the race.
The San Francisco Chronicle reviewed text messages the woman sent to a friend three days after one of the alleged incidents, in which she wrote she was "sexually assaulted" by Swalwell. The newspaper also interviewed the woman’s boyfriend at the time, who confirmed she told him about the encounter.
Swalwell has been a fierce opponent of Donald Trump and a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. He has represented the East Bay area in Congress since 2013. The allegations come as Swalwell was considered a frontrunner in the crowded Democratic race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.