House Democratic leaders have called on Congressman Eric Swalwell to drop out of the California governor’s race after a former staffer accused him of sexual assault. The allegations, detailed in a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, prompted swift condemnation from Democratic leadership and the withdrawal of several key endorsements.
Swalwell, representing California in the House, denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated. In a statement released Friday, he emphasized his nearly two decades of public service and said his focus would be on defending his family and reputation. He also threatened legal action against the accuser.
The former staffer, whose name was not disclosed, alleged that Swalwell pursued her shortly after she began working in his district office in 2019. She claimed Swalwell sent inappropriate photos via Snapchat, solicited nude images, and requested oral sex in a parking lot. She further said that after drinking with Swalwell in September 2019, she woke up naked in a hotel bed with little memory of the night.
The accuser also reported a second incident in 2024 after she had left Swalwell’s staff. She said that following a charity gala in New York, Swalwell forced himself on her despite her resistance, resulting in injuries including vaginal bleeding and bruises. The Chronicle reviewed text messages the woman sent to a friend describing feeling “sexually assaulted” by Swalwell.
In response, House Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, urged a swift investigation and called on Swalwell to end his campaign immediately. They emphasized the need for accountability in cases of sexual assault but did not call for his resignation from Congress.
Several prominent Democrats also withdrew their endorsements. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a former campaign chair for Swalwell, described the allegations as “shocking” and urged Swalwell to leave the governor’s race. Senators Ruben Gallego and Adam Schiff, along with Rep. Ted Lieu, withdrew their support. Schiff labeled the accusations “deeply distressing” and called for Swalwell’s withdrawal.
California Senator Alex Padilla and House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi also expressed concern, with Pelosi stating that a transparent investigation is best conducted outside the context of the gubernatorial campaign. Swalwell’s campaign additionally lost backing from the California Teachers Association, which called the allegations “incredibly disturbing and unacceptable.”
In a video posted Friday, Swalwell acknowledged past personal mistakes but reiterated his innocence regarding the assault claims and expressed regret for the impact on his family. He pledged to fight the allegations “with everything that I have.”
Why it matters
The allegations and subsequent Democratic calls for Swalwell’s withdrawal come as he leads the field in the race for California governor, posing significant ramifications for the contest and party dynamics ahead of the election. The situation highlights ongoing scrutiny of elected officials’ conduct and the push for accountability on sexual misconduct claims.
Background
Eric Swalwell has served as a U.S. Representative from California since 2013 and announced his campaign for governor in 2025. The accusations emerged amid a highly competitive primary season for the state’s top executive position. The response from Democratic leadership illustrates a zero-tolerance stance on sexual assault allegations within party ranks during election cycles.
Read more US News stories on Goka World News.