Women Allege Sexual Assault and Misconduct Against Rep. Eric Swalwell

Allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) surfaced Friday, shaking the political landscape as he vies to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom. Reports detail accusations from multiple women, including a former staffer who claims Swalwell assaulted her while she was incapacitated.

The San Francisco Chronicle broke the story, revealing that the unnamed accuser, who began working for Swalwell in 2019 at the age of 21, described a pattern of inappropriate behavior. She alleged that Swalwell sent her explicit images via Snapchat and solicited nude photos in return.

Shortly after the Chronicle's report, CNN published additional allegations from three other women who had interacted with Swalwell on social media. One of these women appears to be the same former staffer mentioned in the Chronicle's article.

These revelations have severely impacted Swalwell's campaign, leading to the resignation of strategic adviser Courtni Pugh and several other key staff members. Major endorsements, including those from the California Teachers Association, have also been retracted.

Swalwell, 45, a married father of three, has categorically denied the allegations. “These claims are false and emerge just before an election against the frontrunner for governor,” his campaign stated. “For nearly two decades, I have dedicated myself to public service and have always supported women.” He emphasized his intent to defend himself legally and focus on his family during this tumultuous time.

The former staffer recounted her experiences in detail, stating that after a night out with Swalwell in 2019, she blacked out and later woke up in his hotel room with no memory of how she got there. She claimed to have felt the effects of sexual intercourse upon waking.

On another occasion, she alleged that Swalwell attempted to kiss her while she was driving him home. She also described an incident where she performed oral sex on him in a parking lot after he exposed himself and requested the act.

In 2024, after leaving Swalwell's employment, she encountered him again at a charity event where she claims he assaulted her while she was intoxicated. Text messages reviewed by the Chronicle revealed her distress following the incident, stating she had told him to stop during the encounter.

Following the Chronicle's inquiry, Swalwell's attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter to the accuser.

Among those who spoke out against Swalwell is Democratic strategist Ally Sammarco, who reported receiving unsolicited explicit messages from him after connecting on social media. Another woman recounted a similar experience, describing how she found herself in Swalwell's hotel room with little recollection of the evening after he had allegedly kissed her without consent earlier that night.

A third woman shared her experience of connecting with Swalwell on Instagram in 2025, claiming he touched her leg and kissed her without consent before she ended up in his hotel room with no memory of how she arrived there.

As the allegations gained traction, calls for Swalwell to withdraw from the gubernatorial race intensified. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who co-chaired Swalwell’s campaign, labeled the accusations “the ugliest and most serious imaginable” and announced his resignation from the campaign.

“I cannot remain part of this campaign in good conscience,” Gomez stated. “The congressman should step down immediately to ensure accountability without distraction.”

Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) also withdrew his endorsement, expressing deep concern over the allegations detailed in the Chronicle’s report. “This woman showed great courage in coming forward,” he remarked. “Her story deserves serious consideration.”

The unfolding situation is poised to create significant upheaval within California's gubernatorial primary race. Swalwell has been a leading figure alongside Rep. Katie Porter and philanthropist Tom Steyer. Party leaders are urging lower-polling candidates to exit the race to consolidate support behind stronger contenders and prevent Republicans from advancing in the primary.

For those seeking assistance, resources are available through RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website.