Eric Swalwell’s bid for California governor was thrown into chaos Friday after the San Francisco Chronicle published allegations from a former staffer accusing the California Democrat of sexual assault, setting off a stunning collapse of support that, by Friday evening, had stripped him of his campaign chair, key endorsements, millions in union backing, and the confidence of his closest political allies. Swalwell has not withdrawn from the race.
Swalwell had been among the frontrunners in a tight primary field that includes former Rep. Katie Porter, former Attorney General Xavier Becerra and billionaire investor Tom Steyer. His standing evaporated within hours.
The former aide, who worked for Swalwell from 2019 to 2021, told the Chronicle she had sexual encounters with him while she was working for him and alleged that he twice assaulted her when she was too intoxicated to consent.
The report also alleged that Swalwell — who is married with three children — sent explicit photos of himself to the younger staffer on Snapchat.
A subsequent CNN report brought the number of accusers to four, with women describing unsolicited explicit messages and sexual encounters while they were heavily intoxicated.
Swalwell has denied the accusations of assault.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” he said. “I will defend myself with the facts and, where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”
His attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter to the accuser, arguing that the credibility of her claims was undermined by her ongoing relationship with Swalwell after the alleged incidents.
The political fallout came quickly after the story dropped. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), who had been serving as Swalwell’s campaign chair, called the allegations “the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable” adding he feels the congressman should leave the race.
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), a close friend who had chaired Swalwell’s 2020 presidential bid, had previously defended Swalwell before denouncing him in the wake of the article.
“What is described is indefensible,” Gallego said in a statement. “I regret having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information. I am equally as shocked and upset about what has transpired.”
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) — long one of Swalwell’s closest allies — said the allegations his extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with “full transparency and accountability,” she said. “As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla also withdrew their support, with Padilla saying Swalwell should step aside to allow a full investigation free from political distraction.
The financial pillars of his campaign crumbled just as fast. SEIU California, which had contributed $2 million to a Swalwell-aligned PAC just this month, announced it was suspending all campaign activities on his behalf. And the California Teachers Association said it was immediately suspending its support. Senior adviser Courtni Pugh, his top liaison to organized labor, resigned along with at least three other senior staffers
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called for the allegations to be investigated.
"These are very serious allegations that require a serious and thorough investigation. These brave women must be heard and respected. It is imperative that the investigation follow the facts, apply the law and take place immediately," Jeffries spokeswoman Christie Stephenson said in a statement.
While a growing number of lawmakers have called for him to drop out of the gubernatorial race, none have called for his resignation from his House seat.
Swalwell did not immediately respond to request for comment on whether he planned to stay in the race.
