Rep. Eric Swalwell, Candidate for California Governor, Is Accused of Sexual Assault
KQED • • general
Key Points:
- Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, faces calls to resign from Congress and drop out of the race after a former staffer accused him of sexual assault in 2019 and 2024, with additional women making misconduct allegations including unsolicited explicit messages.
- The former staffer alleges Swalwell assaulted her when she was too intoxicated to consent, supported by text messages and medical records reviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle, which first reported the claims.
- Swalwell has denied the allegations, calling them false and pledging to defend himself legally, while emphasizing his long public service record protecting women.
- The allegations have prompted swift condemnation from political figures and endorsements withdrawals, including calls from House Democratic leadership and Swalwell’s campaign co-chair for him to end his campaign immediately.
- Major labor unions and organizations that had supported Swalwell, such as the California Teachers Association and SEIU California, have suspended their support pending further review.
