California Gubernatorial Candidate Eric Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations

Sat Apr 11 2026 06:57:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Democrat Eric Swalwell, a contender for California governor, firmly denies recent allegations of sexual misconduct, asserting they are politically motivated just before the primary elections.

Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman running for governor of California, has publicly denied multiple allegations of sexual misconduct made by former staff members. Following the emergence of these claims, which include accusations of harassment and sexual assault, Swalwell stated that they are false and politically motivated. Calls for his withdrawal from the race have intensified, as prominent party members urge for transparency and accountability. The upcoming Democratic primary on June 2 is set to determine the candidate for the heavily Democratic state.

California Gubernatorial Candidate Eric Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations

Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, one of the leading candidates in the race to be California's next governor, has denied allegations from former staff of sexual misconduct.

These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the front-runner for governor, he said in a statement after multiple women made allegations, ranging from sexual harassment to rape.

His opponents, and several supporters, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have called on him to leave the race.

Democrats will pick their candidate in a primary on June 2. The winner, expected to become the next governor in the heavily-Democratic state, will go on to the November 3 general election.

The first allegation against Swalwell emerged publicly on Friday in The San Francisco Chronicle. A former staff member claimed that shortly after being hired to work in his district office, Swalwell began making inappropriate comments, including soliciting her for sex and sending her sexual messages.

The woman, who is not named, also said that in September 2019, she woke up naked in the congressman's hotel room with little recollection of what had happened the night before. Five years later, when they met again, she recalled pushing him away and saying no, adding that she woke up with signs of sexual trauma.

Her claims are supported by text messages sent to friends and statements from her former boyfriend who encouraged her to report the incident to the police.

Later on Friday, CNN published accusations from four additional women who also reported sexual misconduct by Swalwell. His legal team reportedly sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers.

Prominent California Democrats, including Senator Adam Schiff and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urged Swalwell to drop out of the race, emphasizing the need for a thorough and transparent investigation of the allegations.

In a public response, Swalwell defended himself, stating, 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. He expressed his primary focus on his family and contesting the allegations, declaring them lies amid a politically charged environment.