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Eric Swalwell Denies Sexual Assault Allegations in California Governor Campaign
US Representative Eric Swalwell faces sexual assault allegations from a former staff member, as reported by The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. Swalwell has denied the claims, calling them false and politically motivated. The allegations have led to resignations among campaign staff and calls for his withdrawal from the race.
Apr 10, 7:56 PM·2m read5 sources
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US Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democratic candidate for California governor in the 2026 election, faces sexual assault allegations from a former staff member in his congressional district office. The woman, who worked in the Castro Valley office from around 2019 to 2021, alleged that Swalwell harassed her starting shortly after she joined at age 21, engaged in some consensual encounters, and assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent.
The incidents reportedly occurred in a 2019 hotel room and in 2024 after she had left his office.
Swalwell, who is married and 17 years older than the accuser, denied the allegations in a statement, describing them as false and a last-ditch effort to undermine his campaign. He stated that he has served as a prosecutor and congressman for nearly 20 years and has always protected women. His attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter to the accuser's counsel, threatening defamation litigation.
The accuser told The San Francisco Chronicle that she felt pressured due to Swalwell's position of power and has lived in fear of coming forward.
She described an incident where Swalwell tried to kiss her in her car after driving him home from a donor meeting. Weeks later, while driving him to another event, she alleged he exposed himself in the car and asked her to perform oral sex, which she said occurred in a parking lot.
In September 2019, the woman said Swalwell invited her for drinks, after which she became severely intoxicated and does not remember the rest of the night.
She woke up naked in his hotel bed and felt the effects of vaginal intercourse. Swalwell distanced himself from her afterward, and their interactions faded. The allegations emerged amid prior unverified social media rumors about Swalwell's conduct with female staffers.
