Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations Amid California Governor Race
Representative Eric Swalwell denies sexual assault allegations as calls for his resignation and withdrawal from the California governor's race intensify.
U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell is confronting allegations of sexual assault from a former staffer, leading to mounting calls for his resignation and withdrawal from the California governor's race. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the staffer accused Swalwell of assaulting her in 2019 and 2024, alleging she was too intoxicated to consent during both incidents.
Swalwell has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as "absolutely false" and asserting his intention to continue his gubernatorial campaign. However, the accusations have led to significant political fallout. Prominent Democratic figures, including Senator Adam Schiff and Representative Pramila Jayapal, have urged Swalwell to suspend his campaign and resign from Congress. Additionally, all 21 Democratic colleagues who had endorsed his campaign have withdrawn their support.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has initiated an investigation into the 2024 allegation. House Republicans, led by Representative Anna Paulina Luna, are preparing a motion to expel Swalwell from Congress, a move that some Democrats have indicated they might support. Swalwell's campaign has been further impacted by the resignation of key staff members and the loss of endorsements from influential labor unions.