SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, currently seeking California’s governorship, has firmly rejected claims that he sexually assaulted a woman on two separate occasions, including once when she was employed by his office.
According to a Friday report by the San Francisco Chronicle, a woman has accused Swalwell of sexual assault during incidents in 2019 and 2024. The publication examined text messages related to the more recent alleged assault and interviewed individuals who were told about the incidents. The accuser explained to reporters that she chose not to contact law enforcement because she feared her claims would be dismissed.
The Chronicle chose not to identify the woman, and The Associated Press has been unable to independently confirm her story or identity. Her legal representative has refused to provide comment.
According to the newspaper’s reporting, the woman was employed by Swalwell’s office when the first alleged incident took place in 2019, while the second alleged assault reportedly happened following a charity fundraising event. In both instances, she claims she was too intoxicated to provide consent.
Swalwell has categorically rejected the woman’s claims and indicated they may be politically motivated attacks targeting his campaign’s recent success.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the front-runner for governor,” Swalwell said in a statement. “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. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”
The Chronicle reported that the woman has received a cease-and-desist letter from Swalwell’s legal team. Attorney Elias Debaie acknowledged sending at least one such letter and dismissed the allegations as “baseless.”
These accusations have emerged during a pivotal moment in the competitive race to lead America’s most populous state. Voters will receive mail-in ballots in less than four weeks ahead of the June 2 primary election.
By Friday afternoon, the California Teachers Association announced it was halting its endorsement. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff retracted his support, and a congressional colleague who had backed Swalwell called for him to abandon his campaign. Multiple gubernatorial competitors have also pressed him to withdraw from the contest.
While vague and unsubstantiated rumors about Swalwell’s alleged inappropriate conduct with female staff members have been circulating on social media platforms for several weeks, the Chronicle’s report marks the first documented account of someone making specific accusations. During a campaign stop in Sacramento earlier this week, he denied to journalists that he had ever engaged in sexual relationships with staff members or interns.
Earlier this week, Swalwell had announced multiple campaign appearances scheduled throughout California, but he canceled a planned Thursday event in Palm Springs.
Swalwell is considered among the top Democratic contenders in the packed field seeking to succeed outgoing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. He immediately faced calls to step aside from several Democratic opponents — former state controller Betty Yee, state schools superintendent Tony Thurmond, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Two other major rivals — former Congresswoman Katie Porter and billionaire environmental advocate Tom Steyer — expressed solidarity with the woman who came forward but did not demand Swalwell end his campaign.
This developing controversy could significantly damage Swalwell’s campaign if financial contributions decrease, limiting his ability to purchase advertising, or if labor unions and other organizations that have endorsed him decide to reverse their support.
Democratic Congressman Jimmy Gomez, who had endorsed Swalwell and assisted with his campaign operations, announced on social media that he was immediately stepping away from the campaign.
“The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay,” Gomez said.
Swalwell, an Iowa native, won his House seat in 2012 and represents a district located east of San Francisco. He mounted a presidential campaign in April 2019 but ended it several months later after struggling to gain traction with voters. He gained national recognition serving as a House manager during former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment proceedings in early 2021.
