Rep. Eric Swalwell on Friday forcefully denied allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, saying in a public statement and a video posted to social media that the claims are false and politically motivated as his campaign for California governor faces growing backlash from fellow Democrats and Republican rivals.
“These allegations are false. They did not happen. They have never happened,” Swalwell said in a video posted late Friday on X, formerly Twitter. He acknowledged past “mistakes in judgment” but said those were personal matters involving his family and not criminal conduct.
“For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman — and have always protected women,” Swalwell said. He added that he plans to defend himself with facts and, if necessary, legal action.
The statements came after the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN published reports detailing accusations from a former staffer and three other women, triggering calls from top Democratic leaders for Swalwell to suspend his campaign and submit to an investigation.
What are the allegations against Swalwell
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a former staff member alleges Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two occasions, including once while she was intoxicated and unable to consent. The woman said the encounters occurred during and after her employment in Swalwell’s office. Her identity was not disclosed.
CNN separately reported that three additional women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including sending unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos and engaging in unwanted physical contact. CNN said it reviewed text messages, spoke with family members and friends of the women, and examined medical records related to one of the claims.
Swalwell has denied all allegations, telling both outlets the claims are false and timed to coincide with the escalating 2026 gubernatorial race. His attorney, Elias Dabaie, sent cease‑and‑desist letters to two women, demanding that they retract what he called false statements and warning of potential legal action, according to the Chronicle and CNN.
Swalwell, 45, represents a Bay Area congressional district and was first elected to the House in 2012. He entered the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who will be term‑limited out of office in 2027, and had emerged as a leading Democratic contender in early polling.
What fellow Democrats are saying about Swalwell allegations
Calls for Swalwell to leave the governor’s race came swiftly from the highest levels of Democratic leadership.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said the allegations are “incredibly disturbing” and urged Swalwell to end his campaign while an investigation proceeds.
“This is unacceptable of anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she advised Swalwell to step aside, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability outside the context of an active campaign.
“The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard,” Pelosi said. “This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated.”
Sen. Adam Schiff of California withdrew his endorsement, saying he was “deeply distressed” by the reports and that the woman who came forward should be taken seriously. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, another early supporter, said he also rescinded his endorsement.
Other Democrats echoed similar sentiments. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who had served as a co‑chair of Swalwell’s campaign, said the allegations were “the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable” and announced his immediate departure from the campaign. Several labor groups and political organizations have also suspended or withdrawn their support.
GOP opponents weigh in on Swalwell allegations
Republican candidates and conservative figures quickly seized on the allegations as evidence of broader Democratic leadership failures in California.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, one of the leading Republican candidates in the race, said on X that Swalwell should neither be governor nor serve in Congress.
“This man will never be governor,” Bianco wrote. “He shouldn’t be in Congress either.”
Steve Hilton, another Republican gubernatorial contender endorsed by former President Donald Trump, mocked Swalwell in a series of posts and said the controversy reflects what he called a “corrupt, failing embarrassment” of the Democratic Party in California.
The allegations have also intensified scrutiny of the state’s top‑two “jungle primary” system, in which the two highest vote‑getters advance to the general election regardless of party. Some analysts have warned that prolonged Democratic infighting could benefit Republican candidates if the field fractures.
Swalwell has not said whether he plans to suspend or end his campaign. His team canceled several recent campaign events, and multiple staff members have resigned since the allegations became public.
As pressure continues to mount, the future of Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid — and its impact on California’s already crowded 2026 governor’s race — remains uncertain.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Swalwell acknowledges errors while denying sexual assault claims
Reporting by James Ward, Terry Collins and Noe Padilla, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
