Rep. Swalwell Denies Affair Allegations During Town Hall Meeting

Rep. Eric Swalwell firmly denied allegations of sexual misconduct Tuesday evening following a campaign event in Sacramento, calling social media reports about inappropriate behavior with female staffers “false.”

“There has never been an allegation and there has never been a settlement,” stated Swalwell, who has emerged as a prominent Democratic contender in California’s gubernatorial race.

When reporters pressed him specifically about whether he had engaged in sexual relationships with staffers or interns, Swalwell responded with a series of denials: “No, no, no, no.”

The allegations against the East Bay congressman, who is married with three children, have primarily circulated on social media platforms. Several online influencers have claimed that Swalwell engaged in inappropriate conduct with younger women connected to his congressional office or campaign operations.

Earlier in the day, Swalwell’s campaign had issued a statement echoing many of the same talking points the congressman later delivered to reporters after the town hall event, which drew hundreds of attendees to the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Sacramento.

The controversy gained additional traction when former congresswoman Katie Porter, one of Swalwell’s chief Democratic rivals in the governor’s race, addressed the situation during a CNN interview on Tuesday.

“With regard to Rep. Swalwell, I have seen allegations coming from women staffers,” Porter said. “They are very, very troubling allegations. It’s those women’s stories to tell when they are ready, and I hope they feel safe and supported if they choose to do so.”

Swalwell told reporters that neither his congressional office nor his campaign had reached out to individuals posting the accusations online. “I don’t want there to be any question in the minds of Californians,” he added, emphasizing his desire to address the allegations directly.

The sexual misconduct allegations come amid separate questions about Swalwell’s California residency status, potentially creating a dual challenge for his campaign. While he claims to rent a room in a small Livermore home, reports indicate he frequently stays at luxury hotels when returning to California. Additionally, he has reportedly been staying at the Beverly Hills mansion of billionaire Stephen Cloobeck and the timeshare mogul’s fiancée, who is facing legal troubles of her own.

When local media interviewed residents on the same cul-de-sac where Swalwell claims to live, neighbors reportedly did not recognize the congressman. When questioned about this, Swalwell dismissed the report, saying, “That’s not true,” and added with a laugh, “It’s funny, they called me and told me that you did that. So they know who I am.”

Political analysts suggest these controversies come at a critical time for Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign. Dan Schnur, who teaches political communications at USC and UC Berkeley, noted that Swalwell might be able to weather the storm if his denials hold up.

“If Swalwell’s denials hold up, it should only be a short-term distraction,” Schnur explained. “But while he’s the frontrunner right now, his lead is still fairly precarious. So, if these women start speaking out in public, it could be very costly to him.”

The timing is particularly sensitive with California’s primary election scheduled for June 2, just two months away. For Swalwell, maintaining momentum while addressing these allegations presents a significant challenge in what has already become a highly competitive race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.

The Sacramento town hall itself focused on Swalwell’s vision for California, with the congressman outlining his policy priorities to an engaged audience. However, the post-event questioning from reporters quickly shifted focus to the allegations that now threaten to overshadow his campaign message during a crucial period in the election cycle.