California Rep. Eric Swalwell, a candidate for governor, denied allegations of sexual assault published in a report Friday as election opponents called for the Democratic congressman to drop out of the race.<\/p>\n
According to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, a former staffer for Swalwell said the congressman sexually assaulted her in 2024. The Chronicle reports it reviewed text messages the woman sent to a friend about the alleged incident, spoke with people she confided in and examined medical records showing she later sought pregnancy and STD testing.<\/p>\n
NBCLA did not independently confirm the allegations against Swalwell. <\/p>\n
Swalwell maintained the allegations are false, saying they came out because he’s the frontrunner in the gubernatorial race. Friday evening, Swalwell posted a message on his X account saying he will fight the allegations.<\/p>\n
“For nearly 20 years, I have served the public \u2014 as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women,” Swalwell said in a statement to NBCLA. “I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action.”<\/p>\n
Swalwell has been considered one of the Democratic frontrunners in the gubernatorial race although polls have shown the two Republican candidates, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, appeared to have more support as of April.<\/p>\n
Amid the bombshell accusations, all gubernatorial hopefuls called on the Bay Area congressman to suspend the campaign or even resign from Congress.<\/p>\n
The fallout from the allegations continued Friday afternoon as Sen. Adam Schiff, who served in Congress with Swalwell, announced that he’s rescinding his endorsement for Swalwell.<\/p>\n
Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who represent the East LA neighborhoods, said he’s stepping down from the Swalwell campaign while demanding him “leave the race now.”<\/p>\n
Mayor Karen Bass posted a message on her X account Friday evening saying Swalwell should end his campaign and resign from Congress immediately because his conduct is incompatible with elected office, and “the women who came forward deserve to be heard and deserve justice.”<\/p>\n
The California Teachers Association, a powerful union for educators, also announced it’s immediately suspending its support. <\/p>\n
California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks also weighed in, saying the accusations are “deeply disturbing.”<\/p>\n
“First, the stories of victims and survivors should be heard and believed. Period,” Hicks said. “Second, any person engaged in misconduct must take responsibility and be held accountable for their actions – including a Member of Congress and candidate for Governor.”<\/p>\n
Hicks reiterated his message from last month that candidates without a clear path forward in the race should drop out.<\/p>\n
“(That) call is more important now than ever before.”<\/p>\n
I have been working with a number of women who are in the process of coming forward and sharing their stories of sexual harassment and even alleged abuse at the hands of Eric Swalwell. Here\u2019s why we\u2019re talking about it before mainstream media: \ud83e\uddf5<\/p>\n