Rep. Swalwell Accused of Sexual Misconduct

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell. Source: Cal Matters.

Forty-eight hours ago, Eric Swalwell was one of the frontrunners for California governor. As of today, he is the subject of two criminal investigations, has been abandoned by his own staff, and is being asked by the top Democrats in the country to resign from Congress. Four women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer who told CNN he raped her in April 2024 after a night of drinking in New York City, when she was heavily intoxicated and unable to consent. “I was pushing him off of me, saying no,” she said. “He didn't stop.” The same woman alleged prior to an incident in 2019, when she was 21 years old and newly hired to work in his office. CNN reviewed corroborating text messages and medical records. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office opened an investigation Saturday. The Alameda County DA's office said it is also evaluating the 2019 allegation. The political fallout has been swift and total. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a joint statement calling on Swalwell to immediately end his gubernatorial campaign. Senator Adam Schiff withdrew his endorsement. Senator Ruben Gallego called the allegations “indefensible.” More than 50 former staffers signed a letter calling the allegations "serious and credible" and demanding he resign from Congress entirely. Swalwell has denied everything and says he will not drop out, a position that, as of tonight, he appears to be holding alone. Whether he survives the next 48 hours as a candidate, let alone a congressman, may be the most consequential question in California politics right now.