Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Investigation as Top Democrats Call for Resignation

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has launched an investigation into allegations that Representative Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted a former staffer at a New York City hotel approximately two years ago. The high-profile investigation comes as the California Democrat’s political future hangs in the balance.

Bragg’s office issued a statement Saturday urging other potential victims to come forward. “We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,” the statement read. “Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.”

The investigation follows explosive reports published last week by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN that detailed allegations against Swalwell, who until recently was considered a top contender in California’s upcoming gubernatorial race. According to these reports, three additional women have accused the congressman of misconduct, claiming he sent unsolicited nude photographs or explicit messages.

Facing mounting pressure, Swalwell announced the suspension of his gubernatorial campaign on Sunday. “I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”

Despite his strong denial of the sexual assault claims, Swalwell’s political support has rapidly eroded. More than 50 former staffers signed a letter calling for his resignation from Congress, where he has served since 2012. “The allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN are serious, credible, and demand accountability,” the letter stated. “We stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth. We believe her.”

The scandal represents a dramatic fall for Swalwell, who has been a prominent figure in Democratic politics for over a decade. The 43-year-old congressman gained national attention during the Trump administration as a vocal critic of the former president and briefly ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2019.

Fellow Democrats have begun distancing themselves from Swalwell, with some explicitly calling for his resignation. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) issued a strongly worded statement declaring she would vote to expel both Swalwell and Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas, who is also facing misconduct allegations.

“I am sick and tired of men in positions of power getting away with sexual harassment, assault and abuse,” Jayapal said. “Representatives Gonzales and Swalwell should resign. Otherwise, I would vote to expel them.”

The allegations against Swalwell come amid heightened scrutiny of sexual misconduct in politics, with both parties facing recent scandals. Political analysts suggest the swift calls for Swalwell’s resignation reflect the Democratic Party’s efforts to maintain moral high ground on issues of sexual misconduct, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

For Manhattan DA Bragg, who previously led the prosecution of former President Donald Trump in the hush money case, the Swalwell investigation represents another high-profile political case with potential national implications.

As the investigation proceeds, questions remain about how these allegations might impact the California gubernatorial race, which was already expected to be highly competitive. Swalwell’s departure creates an opening for other Democratic candidates, though the scandal could cast a shadow over the party’s prospects.

Neither Swalwell’s congressional office nor his campaign has provided further comment on the investigation or his future plans beyond the suspension of his gubernatorial bid. His current congressional term ends in January 2025.