Prosecutors in Manhattan have opened an investigation into sexual assault allegations targeting California Congressman Eric Swalwell, a Democrat who is currently running for governor of his state.
According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, a former employee from Swalwell’s district office has come forward with accusations of two unwanted sexual encounters. The woman alleges one incident occurred in 2019 while she worked for the congressman, and another in 2024 after she had departed his staff. In the more recent incident at a New York City hotel, she told CNN that Swalwell raped her.
The congressman has firmly rejected these claims, calling them “absolutely false” and pledging to defend himself against what he characterizes as false accusations. However, prominent Democrats have called on him to withdraw from the gubernatorial race following these revelations.
The unnamed accuser, whose identity was protected by both news outlets, reportedly stated she was too drunk to give consent during both alleged incidents.
CNN’s reporting also revealed that three additional women have made accusations of sexual misconduct against Swalwell.
Manhattan prosecutors have encouraged anyone with information about these allegations to reach out to their special victims unit.
In his response, Swalwell pointed to the timing of these accusations, noting they surface just before California’s June primary election. Among a crowded field of gubernatorial candidates from various parties, Swalwell has been viewed as a top contender likely to make it to a runoff under California’s nonpartisan primary system.
California’s electoral process allows the two highest vote-getters in the June primary to proceed to November’s general election, regardless of party affiliation.
