New York City prosecutors are investigating sexual assault allegations against Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed on Sunday. The investigation follows claims made by a former staff member alleging multiple instances of sexual misconduct by Swalwell.
The allegations first emerged in a San Francisco Chronicle report, which detailed the former employee’s accusations spanning from 2019 to 2024. The woman, who worked in Swalwell’s district office in Castro Valley, claimed he pursued her shortly after her hiring. She alleged that Swalwell sent inappropriate photos via Snapchat, requested nude images from her, and asked for oral sex in a parking lot. Additionally, she said she woke up naked in his hotel room after a night of drinking with little recollection of the events.
In 2024, after she had left Swalwell’s office, the woman met him again during a charity gala in New York. She said she became intoxicated, tried to push Swalwell away while he forced himself on her, and woke up with vaginal bleeding and bruises. The Chronicle cited texts sent by the woman three days after the alleged incident, in which she described being “sexually assaulted.”
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has invited survivors and anyone with relevant information to come forward. A spokesperson emphasized that their team is prepared to assist in a trauma-informed and survivor-centered manner.
Swalwell has denied all allegations, calling them “false” and suggested they are politically motivated given their timing near the California governor’s race. He stated his focus remains on defending his family and public service record. Swalwell also threatened legal action against his accuser.
The accusations have prompted swift responses from political leaders. House Democrats have called for a “swift investigation” and demanded Swalwell suspend his gubernatorial campaign, although they stopped short of calling for his resignation from Congress. In a joint statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar underscored the importance of accountability for sexual assault allegations.
On the Republican side, Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida announced plans to force a House vote to expel Swalwell over the allegations, with the vote potentially occurring as soon as midweek. The controversy is intensifying on Capitol Hill amid significant implications for House dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.
Why it matters
The investigation into Swalwell carries political and legal significance at a critical period, as he campaigns for California governor and serves in Congress. The outcome could influence voter perceptions, campaign viability, and potentially the composition of the House, depending on the progress of the alleged expulsion vote.
Background
Eric Swalwell is a Democratic Representative from California who has held office for nearly two decades and is currently running for governor. The allegations come as part of a broader scrutiny of sexual misconduct claims against public officials, with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office known for pursuing high-profile cases involving alleged abuse of power and assault.
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