Rep. Swalwell Faces Misconduct Allegations as Democratic Rivals Gain Ground in California Governor’s Race

California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing mounting scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct as he campaigns for the state’s governorship. The claims threaten to upend his candidacy ahead of the June primary election, with political rivals seizing on the controversy.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa publicly criticized Swalwell on Wednesday, saying he was “very disappointed” in the congressman. “As more and more women come forward with sexual harassment allegations, Swalwell skipped town to avoid facing tough questions,” Villaraigosa stated on social media, calling for Swalwell to “stop hiding behind his campaign staff” and answer questions from reporters and the public.

Swalwell’s campaign quickly disputed these characterizations. Campaign spokesperson Micah Beasley called Villaraigosa’s claims “false” and “absurd,” noting that Swalwell had spoken to more than 1,000 town hall attendees for nearly 90 minutes in Sacramento on Tuesday and met with media afterward. Beasley explained that Swalwell missed Wednesday’s candidate forum due to previously scheduled commitments.

The allegations first gained traction when former Democratic congressional staffer and attorney Cheyenne Hunt, who serves as executive director of Gen-Z for Change, began circulating claims on social media. Hunt posted that she is working with multiple women to go public with allegations against Swalwell, though no accusers have yet come forward officially and no verifiable evidence has been presented.

In one social media post from March, Hunt shared a screenshot of a direct message alleging that “Eric Swalwell has slept with many of his interns and makes them all sign [non-disclosure agreements] so they don’t speak up.” The message also claimed that Swalwell had inappropriately pursued the sender when she was 19 years old.

The allegations come at a critical time in California’s gubernatorial race, where Swalwell, 45, is competing in a crowded field to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom. Other prominent candidates include former Rep. Katie Porter, Trump-backed former Fox News host Steve Hilton, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and progressive billionaire Tom Steyer.

Porter addressed the allegations during a CNN interview on Tuesday, calling them “troubling” and emphasizing her support for women who may come forward. “It is those women’s stories to tell when they are ready, and I hope that they feel safe and supported if they choose to do so,” Porter said. “I believe women. I think that has to be the starting place here.”

Democratic operative Bhavik Lathia has also weighed in, urging his party to take the allegations seriously and suggesting that more information would soon emerge. “Eric Swalwell cannot be our nominee,” Lathia wrote on social media Monday.

Swalwell has categorically denied any wrongdoing. His campaign has characterized the sexual misconduct allegations as “outrageous” and has implied that the accusers may have political motivations aligned with conservative interests.

The congressman has represented California’s Bay Area in the House of Representatives since 2013, establishing himself as a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump. He launched his gubernatorial campaign in late 2025, hoping to succeed Newsom as California’s next governor.

California’s primary system advances the top two vote-getters to the general election regardless of party affiliation, making the stakes particularly high for all candidates in the June contest. Recent polling has shown Republicans Hilton and Bianco performing strongly in the race, adding pressure to Democratic contenders like Swalwell and Porter.

As the primary approaches, the unfolding controversy could significantly impact voter perceptions and potentially reshape the field of candidates vying to lead the nation’s most populous state.