SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell is pushing back hard against allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including once when she worked for him. In the hours after prominent backers pulled their support, Swalwell told supporters the claims are “flat false,” and said he plans to spend the weekend with family and friends before sharing an update “very soon.”
The backlash escalated quickly in California’s crowded race to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom, a contest now in a delicate stage as ballots are set to arrive by mail next month ahead of the June 2 election. Swalwell had been seen as one of the leading Democrats in the field, but within hours he watched endorsements unravel—among them backing from U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions—along with new demands that he step aside.
Newsom, who has avoided engaging directly in the replacement campaign, issued a statement saying, “As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.” Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has not endorsed in the race, said the “serious allegations” must be investigated and that she spoke to Swalwell and suggested it be done “outside of a gubernatorial campaign.” The political atmosphere, even before the allegations, was already tense—messy, crowded, and primed for blame. Now it’s turned even more volatile.
The allegations themselves were first described by Misryoum newsroom reporting Friday. A woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. Misryoum newsroom reporting reviewed text messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people she had told about it. The woman said she did not go to police because she was afraid she would not be believed. She also said in both cases she was too intoxicated to consent to sex. The paper did not name the woman, and Misryoum newsroom has not been able to independently verify her account and identity. Her lawyer declined to comment.
According to Misryoum newsroom reporting, the woman worked for Swalwell in 2019, when the first alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala. The alleged 2024 incident occurred in New York, where the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said Saturday it is investigating and urged anyone with knowledge to contact its special victims division.
Swalwell’s supporters weren’t the only ones reacting. Schiff said in a social media post he’s “deeply distressed” by the allegations and called for Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid. Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run Swalwell’s campaign, said he’s immediately ending his role and urged Swalwell to leave the race so accountability can happen “without doubt, distraction, or delay.” The California Service Employees International Union said Saturday it was formally rescinding its endorsement and urged Swalwell to withdraw from the race immediately. The California Teachers Association said it was suspending its support, and the California Federation of Labor Unions said it was “acting urgently” on next steps.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations require a “serious and thorough investigation.” Swalwell, for his part, has faced years of scrutiny swirling in the background—uncorroborated, nonspecific rumors on social media about staff interactions—but Misryoum newsroom reporting is the first account that includes a direct accusation. In a Tuesday appearance in Sacramento, Swalwell told reporters he’s never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern. He canceled a later scheduled event in Palm Springs on Thursday.
One moment that stuck out at a recent campaign stop: the way the room settled after someone asked about allegations—like you could hear the air conditioner more than the questions for a second. Swalwell has suggested the accusations are part of an attack, and he’s tried to frame the situation that way since the allegations surfaced. He has been elected to Congress since 2012 and represents a House district east of San Francisco. He launched a presidential run in April 2019 but shut it down after failing to catch on with voters. Swalwell is married and has three children, and nationally he’s been known for his role as a House manager in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial in early 2021.
As for the campaign calendar, the calendar doesn’t pause for controversy. Voters will still get mail ballots next month, and the state’s top-two primary system means the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party—so every endorsement, cancellation, and sudden withdrawal can shift the math quickly. And while Swalwell says he’ll respond again “very soon,” the political pressure doesn’t appear to be easing any time soon—if anything, it’s turning more urgent by the hour, even as the investigation is still unfolding.
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