Swalwell Sexual Assault Allegations Under Investigation In NYC, Report Says

DUBLIN, CA — Rep. Eric Swalwell, the Democratic frontrunner in the Gubernatorial race, is under investigation by the Manhattan district attorney’s office over allegations he sexually assaulted a young staffer in New York City, according to reports.

Swalwell, who lost his most prominent supporters Friday in the wake of The San Francisco Chronicle’s explosive report on the allegations, has denied the accusations.

His lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to the staffer threatening to sue, according to reports in The San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles Times.

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The staffer spoke on-camera with CNN with her face obscured and accused Swalwell of raping her in New York. That incident happened in 2024, the Chronicle report said. The first incident happened in California in 2019, when she worked for Swalwell, and she was intoxicated and unable to consent, the Chronicle reported.

Three other women have accused Swalwell of sending them inappropriate sexual messages, including naked images, and unwanted touching, CNN reported.

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The Manhattan district attorney’s office urged anyone with knowledge of the allegations to contact its special victims division.

“Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner,” the DA’s office said to CNN.

Swalwell has been among the leading Democrats in the race to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. But in just hours, he saw his most prominent supporters – including U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions – drop their endorsements and call for his exit from the race.

Several members of Swalwell’s campaign abruptly resigned Friday following the allegations, according to Politico. Several other gubernatorial candidates, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, have called for Swalwell to drop out as did Democratic congressional leaders who previously endorsed him.

Newsom, a likely 2028 presidential candidate who has avoided engaging in the contest to replace him, said in a statement:

“As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.”

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hasn’t endorsed in the race, said the “serious allegations” must be investigated.

“As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign,” she said in social media posted by her staff.

The allegations surfaced at a critical stage of the wide-open campaign to lead the nation’s most populous state. The exodus of support threatened to cripple Swalwell’s campaign, less than a month before voters receive mail ballots in advance of the June 2 election.

According to The Chronicle, Swalwell is accused of sending photos of his genitals and other intimate messages to the young staffer shortly after she began working at his Castro Valley office in 2019 and asking her to send nude photos back. She was 21 and he was 38. The woman, whom The Chronicle did not name, went along with it, saying she was intrigued and also worried about not upsetting her new boss.

The woman told The Chronicle that Swalwell tried to kiss her in the car after she drove him home from a donor meeting. At another event weeks later, she said Swalwell exposed himself and asked her to perform oral sex on him in a parking lot mid-day. She said she began to, though stopped because it was the middle of the day and she was worried someone would see them.

In September 2019, Swalwell reportedly invited the woman out for drinks at a restaurant in Pleasanton. She said that she had been drinking before the gathering, and Swalwell bought her more drinks until she became extremely inebriated. After that, she said she woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, and said she could feel the effects of vaginal intercourse. She said that Swalwell became more distant following that encounter. She stopped working for him in 2021.

In April 2024, the woman said she attended a charity gala honoring Swalwell. Later that night, they met for drinks, and she became so drunk that she only remembers fragments of the night, including telling him “No,” as he forced himself on her, she told The Chronicle. She said she experienced vaginal bleeding and bruises, and medical records show that she obtained pregnancy and STD tests after the incident.

The woman texted a friend days later describing the encounter as an assault and later told her boyfriend, who both corroborated the account, according to The Chronicle.

The woman claimed Swalwell sent her a message stating, “You said you don’t remember anything last time; I hope you do now,” and then told her not to worry about pregnancy because he had had a vasectomy.

Swalwell issued a statement in response to the allegations.

“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” he said. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”

Last Thursday, Swalwell’s attorney Elias Dabaie sent a cease-and-desist letter to the woman threatening to sue if she did not retract her statements. The letter alleged she had “made false statements accusing Mr. Swalwell of sexual assault and nonconsensual sexual encounter.”

“The credibility of your accusations is fatally undermined by your voluntary and cooperative relationship with Mr. Swalwell over the course of many years following the period in question,” the letter reads, according to The Chronicle. An attorney representing the woman said that her statements are “100% factually accurate, and she will not be withdrawing them.”

Uncorroborated and nonspecific rumors that Swalwell behaved inappropriately with female staffers have circulated on social media for weeks, but the Chronicle’s story is the first reported account of someone making a direct accusation. At a Tuesday campaign event in Sacramento, he told reporters he’s never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern.

CNN also reported that several women accused Swalwell of sending them inappropriate sexual messages.

Swift backlash from prominent Democrats

On Friday afternoon, Schiff said in a social media post he’s “deeply distressed” by the allegations, calling for Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid.

Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run Swalwell’s campaign, said he’s immediately ending his role.

“The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay,” Gomez said on social media.

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego and California Rep. Adam Gray also said they’re yanking their support. Mark Ramos, who heads the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, called on Swalwell to end his campaign.

Powerful labor unions, including the California Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association, said they’re suspending their support. The California Federation of Labor Unions said it’s “acting urgently” on next steps.

A spokesperson for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations require a “serious and thorough investigation.”

“These brave women must be heard and respected,” spokeswoman Christie Stephenson said in a statement. “It is imperative that the investigation follow the facts, apply the law and take place immediately.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Swalwell Sexual Assault Allegations Under Investigation In NYC, Report Says

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