Rep. Swalwell Denies Sexual Assault Allegations Amid California Gubernatorial Race

U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell issued a forceful denial Friday evening following explosive sexual assault allegations made against him by a former female staffer. The California Democrat, who currently leads Democratic candidates in California’s gubernatorial race, called the accusations “flat out false” and “absolutely false” in a video statement released on social media.

“These allegations of sexual assault did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have,” Swalwell declared in the video.

The allegations, first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle on Friday, come from an unnamed former staffer who worked in Swalwell’s district office for approximately two years. According to the report, the woman claims Swalwell pursued her shortly after she was hired as a 21-year-old staffer, despite his being married at the time.

The accusations are serious and detailed. The former staffer alleges Swalwell pressured her to send naked pictures of herself and sent her sexually explicit photos in return. She also claims he exposed himself to her while driving and requested oral sex. Most seriously, she alleges multiple incidents where she “blacked out” from alcohol consumption before waking up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed with signs suggesting sexual intercourse had occurred.

The report also mentions allegations that Swalwell sexually harassed other female staffers, though specific details about these additional claims were not provided in the Chronicle’s reporting.

In his video statement, Swalwell acknowledged he is not “perfect” or a “saint,” referencing unnamed “mistakes in judgment” that he said were matters between him and his wife. He apologized to his wife for “putting her in this position” and to supporters who might be questioning their support, quickly adding, “I think you know who I am.”

Swalwell, who has represented California’s 15th congressional district since 2013, highlighted his public service record in his defense. “For over 20 years, I have served the public as a city councilman, as a member of Congress, and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims, particularly on behalf of sexual assault victims. That’s who I am and have always been,” he said.

The allegations have already caused significant political fallout. Several prominent Democratic supporters have withdrawn their endorsements of Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign, with some urging him to exit the race entirely. The timing is particularly challenging, coming in the final stretch before California’s gubernatorial primary.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other California Democratic leaders have reportedly characterized the allegations as “indefensible,” according to Fox News reporting, signaling potentially serious consequences for Swalwell’s political future.

The accusations against Swalwell come at a time when sexual misconduct allegations against political figures face heightened scrutiny across the political spectrum. In recent years, the #MeToo movement has transformed how such allegations are evaluated in both public opinion and within political parties.

Despite the growing pressure, Swalwell remained in the gubernatorial race as of Saturday morning. The congressman, who briefly ran for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, has been seen as a rising star in California Democratic politics prior to these allegations.

The Chronicle’s report did not specify when these alleged incidents occurred or provide details about any corroborating evidence or witnesses. Swalwell’s complete denial sets up what could become a contentious investigation and political battle in the weeks ahead.

As the situation develops, California voters and Democratic Party officials will likely face difficult decisions about how to proceed with the allegations and Swalwell’s candidacy as the state prepares to select its next governor.