San Francisco Chronicle Reports Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Against California Gubernatorial Candidate Eric Swalwell

Rumors of inappropriate behavior with young staffers circulated in campaign circles, email chains, and discussions from Sacramento to San Diego for weeks. The allegations were initially confined to unverified online sources until the campaign issued a public denial.

The campaign released a statement denying any wrongdoing as a preemptive response to the increasing rumors. On Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle published a report quoting a former staffer who alleged sexual encounters and assaults in 2019.

The former staffer stated she kept quiet about the behavior due to fear of personal and professional consequences.

She told the Chronicle she did not report to authorities because she feared they would not believe her.

The campaign issued a statement denying the allegations.

The California gubernatorial race features multiple Democratic candidates in a close contest. The candidate did not attend a candidate forum in Sacramento on Wednesday. Other Democratic candidates reacted to the Chronicle's report.

A former mayor accused the candidate of skipping the Wednesday forum as more women come forward with sexual harassment allegations, though at that point no one with firsthand knowledge had contradicted the denial. A mayor and a state schools superintendent called on the candidate to withdraw from the race.

A Democratic senator withdrew his endorsement of the candidate and expressed regret for defending him on social media before the Chronicle's report. A Democratic representative also withdrew his endorsement and urged the candidate to abandon the race.

The allegations occur amid a competitive Democratic primary for governor, with implications for the candidacy and the broader field. Legal proceedings or further statements from involved parties may follow. The race affects California's political landscape, impacting voters and party dynamics.