Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell rejected allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including during her work for him, as key figures in his California governor campaign moved to withdraw support and urge him to exit the race. In a video message posted to social media, Swalwell said the allegations were “flat false” and that he would “fight them with everything that I have,” after prominent allies rescinded endorsements and called for action.
The allegations, which were reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, centered on a woman’s account that she was assaulted in 2019 and again in 2024. The Chronicle reported that it reviewed text messages relating to the 2024 allegation and spoke with people the woman previously told. The newspaper did not name the woman, and The Associated Press said it was not able to independently verify the account and identity; the woman’s lawyer declined to comment.
Swalwell’s response came as the campaign’s political support unraveled quickly. U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff said he was “deeply distressed” by the allegations and called for Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid. Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who had helped run Swalwell’s campaign, said he was immediately ending his role, adding that Swalwell should leave the race so there could be “full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay.”
Labor unions also acted. The California Service Employees International Union said Saturday it was formally rescinding its endorsement and urged Swalwell to withdraw from the race immediately. The California Teachers Association said it was suspending its support, and the California Federation of Labor Unions said it was “acting urgently” on next steps. A spokesperson for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations require a “serious and thorough investigation.”
California’s governor race is set against a tight timeline, with voters set to receive mail ballots next month ahead of the June 2 election. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has avoided engaging in the contest to replace him, said in a statement that as the state “continue[s] to learn more,” the allegations from multiple sources were “deeply troubling” and must be taken seriously. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has not endorsed in the race, said the “serious allegations” should be investigated and that she spoke to Swalwell and suggested the process be done “outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
The reporting described the first alleged assault as occurring in 2019, during a period when the woman worked for Swalwell. The Chronicle said the 2024 incident allegedly occurred after a charity gala and that the woman told the newspaper she was too intoxicated to consent in both cases. It also reported that the woman did not go to police because she feared she would not be believed. The Associated Press said it could not independently verify the woman’s account and identity, underscoring the limits of what is publicly confirmed at this stage.
The legal backdrop expanded with the Manhattan district attorney’s office. The office said Saturday it is investigating the alleged 2024 incident in New York and urged anyone with knowledge to contact its special victims division. The allegations were described as surfacing at a critical stage in a wide-open contest to succeed Newsom, with the party already contending with a crowded primary field.
Swalwell has faced other online allegations before, including nonspecific rumors circulating on social media for weeks, but the Chronicle’s story was characterized as the first reported account of someone making a direct accusation. Swalwell has suggested the allegations were part of an attack tied to his campaign’s momentum, and he told reporters earlier in the week in Sacramento that he has never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern. He canceled a subsequent scheduled event in Palm Springs.
Swalwell, elected to the House in 2012 and representing a district east of San Francisco, launched a presidential bid in April 2019 that he later ended after it failed to gain traction. He is married and has three children, and he has been known nationally for his role as a House manager in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial in early 2021. ---