Eric Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations Amid California Governor's Race

California Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing serious sexual assault allegations from a former district office staffer, throwing his prominent gubernatorial campaign into turmoil. The accusations, first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, involve two alleged nonconsensual sexual encounters — one in 2019 while the woman was still employed by Swalwell, and another in 2024 after she had left his office.

The unnamed woman told the Chronicle she had been too intoxicated to consent on both occasions. She later spoke to CNN on camera, stating that Swalwell had raped her during the 2024 incident and that she had verbally and physically resisted. CNN also reported that three additional women had come forward with separate allegations of sexual misconduct against the congressman, including receiving unsolicited explicit messages and photos.

Swalwell categorically denied all accusations, calling them politically motivated and timed to damage his standing as a frontrunner in California's governor's race. "These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor," he said in a statement, adding that he would pursue legal action if necessary and vowed to defend his record of nearly two decades in public service.

Despite his denial, the political fallout has been swift and severe. U.S. Senator Adam Schiff withdrew his endorsement and called on Swalwell to exit the race. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other top party officials echoed that demand. The California Teachers Association, the state's largest teachers' union, also suspended its backing of his campaign.

Swalwell had been considered a strong contender to advance past California's June nonpartisan primary, where the top two vote-getters — regardless of party — proceed to the November general election. Whether he remains in the race could significantly reshape the Democratic field competing for the state's highest office.