U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) is encountering considerable turmoil as multiple high-profile endorsements and senior staffers have withdrawn their support in the wake of serious sexual assault allegations, coinciding with California’s gubernatorial primary.
The allegations stem from a woman employed in Swalwell’s Castro Valley district office, who claimed that he pursued her after her hiring at age 21 in 2019. Reports indicate that he sent inappropriate photos via Snapchat shortly after.
She accused Swalwell of soliciting explicit images and outlined several troubling encounters, including an attempt to kiss her in his vehicle and an incident where he allegedly exposed himself and demanded oral sex in a parking lot. Notably, she described two episodes where she was too intoxicated to consent, one occurring in September 2019 and the other in April 2024.
In the latter instance, she recounted waking up in Swalwell’s hotel room after having blacked out post-drinks. The second situation involved him reportedly forcing himself on her despite her clear objections, after which she sought medical tests.
Swalwell has firmly denied the allegations and is determined to continue his gubernatorial campaign, yet the fallout has been swift. His colleague, Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), publicly unendorsed Swalwell, emphasizing the need to take the woman’s claims seriously.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi echoed these sentiments, urging for an investigation into the matter conducted transparently. This call for accountability has prompted several other lawmakers, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, to withdraw their endorsements as well.
Swalwell also faced the loss of support from influential organizations like the California Teachers Association, which condemned the allegations as appalling. Further withdrawals came from Representatives Doris Matsui and Jimmy Gomez, along with other notable figures and unions.
