Swalwell Denies Sexual Assault Allegations as California Governor Campaign Unravels
California Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democratic candidate for governor, faces sexual misconduct allegations from multiple women, including a former staffer who told CNN he raped her in 2024 while she was heavily intoxicated — an allegation Swalwell strongly denies. The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN published separate reports detailing claims from at least four women, including allegations of unwanted advances, unsolicited explicit images, and assault. Key endorsers including Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi and Senator Adam Schiff have withdrawn support or called on Swalwell to exit the race, while his campaign removed its endorsements page.
Progressive and mainstream outlets emphasize the corroborating evidence reviewed by journalists — including text messages and witness accounts — and highlight prominent Democratic figures calling for Swalwell to step aside, framing the episode as a test of the party's commitment to accountability.
Multiple news organizations including the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN published reports citing at least four women making misconduct allegations against Swalwell, who has denied all wrongdoing and whose attorney has threatened legal action against at least two accusers; no criminal charges have been filed.
Conservative outlets highlight the allegations as emblematic of broader Democratic hypocrisy, noting the speed with which Swalwell's allies distanced themselves and framing the episode as evidence of misconduct within the Democratic Party establishment.
Multiple news organizations including the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN published reports citing at least four women making misconduct allegations against Swalwell, who has denied all wrongdoing and whose attorney has threatened legal action against at least two accusers; no criminal charges have been filed.
Rep. Eric Swalwell has denied allegations of sexual assault reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, and has lost multiple campaign endorsements as of Friday.