Prosecutors in New York City are investigating sexual assault allegations against Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, a development that has upended the California governor's race. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office confirmed the investigation and urged survivors and witnesses to come forward. The allegations were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, detailing claims from a former staffer who accused Swalwell of inappropriate behavior and assault in both California and New York.
The former staffer alleged that Swalwell sent her inappropriate photos, requested nude images, and asked her to perform sexual acts shortly after she was hired in 2019. She also claimed that after a night out with Swalwell in September 2019, she woke up naked in his hotel bed with no memory of the night. In 2024, after leaving Swalwell's office, she met him for drinks in New York and alleged he assaulted her despite her resistance. She reported waking up with injuries and bruises.
The San Francisco Chronicle reviewed texts the woman sent to a friend three days after the alleged 2024 incident, in which she wrote she was 'sexually assaulted' by Swalwell. The Alameda County District Attorney's office is also reviewing the 2019 allegations. Swalwell has denied all accusations, calling them 'flat false' in a video statement. House Democrats have called on him to drop out of the gubernatorial race.