By Gloria Ogbonna
House Democratic leadership is calling on Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) to end his campaign to become California’s next governor following serious allegations of sexual assault made against him by a former staff member.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, released a joint statement describing the accusations as “incredibly disturbing.”
The three senior Democrats called for a “swift investigation” into the claims and urged Swalwell to immediately suspend his gubernatorial campaign.
The statement followed a report by the San Francisco Chronicle in which a woman who previously worked as a staffer in Swalwell’s district office detailed two separate alleged incidents of sexual assault.
According to the woman, the first incident occurred in September 2019 after she met Swalwell for drinks. She said she became so severely intoxicated that she does not recall the remainder of the evening, later waking up naked in his hotel bed and feeling the physical effects of sexual intercourse. She stated that after that night, Swalwell distanced himself from her and their relationship faded.
The woman also alleged a second encounter in April 2024, after she had left Swalwell’s employment. She said they met for drinks following a charity gala where Swalwell was being honored.
Once again, she claimed she became heavily intoxicated and remembers only fragments of the evening. She alleges that during the encounter she pushed Swalwell away and told him “No” while he continued to force himself on her.
In addition to those allegations, the woman told the newspaper that Swalwell began pursuing her shortly after she was hired in 2019 at age 21 to work in his district office in Castro Valley. She claimed that he contacted her through Snapchat, allegedly sending explicit images and requesting nude photos in return. She further alleged that on separate occasions he made unwanted sexual advances in her car, including exposing himself and requesting oral sex, which she said she performed in a parking lot.
The controversy has widened as CNN reported that three other women have come forward with allegations of various forms of sexual misconduct involving Swalwell. One woman told the outlet that she became extremely intoxicated in his hotel room and alleged that earlier that evening he kissed her and touched her leg without her consent.
I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations. This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously.
I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race. https://t.co/tdXgfl0OAt
— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) April 10, 2026
In their joint statement, Jeffries, Aguilar, and Clark emphasized the seriousness of the accusations. “This is unacceptable of anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously,” they said. They also commended the women who came forward, stressing that individuals who report sexual assault or harassment must be heard and treated with respect.
The allegations have also led several prominent Democrats to withdraw their support for Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign. Senator Adam Schiff announced he was rescinding his endorsement, writing that he was “deeply distressed” by the allegations and believed Swalwell should withdraw from the race. Representative Ted Lieu similarly said he was withdrawing his endorsement, citing the seriousness of the claims.
Representative Jared Moskowitz described the reports as “deeply disturbing” and stated that sexual violence against anyone is unacceptable, adding that he could no longer support Swalwell’s candidacy. Senator Ruben Gallego also withdrew his backing in light of the allegations.
Today's reports about Eric Swalwell's conduct while in office are deeply disturbing. Sexual violence against women or anyone is unacceptable. Given these serious allegations, I am withdrawing my support.
— Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) April 10, 2026
As calls grow louder for an investigation, the future of Swalwell’s campaign appears increasingly uncertain. Democratic leaders have made clear that the allegations must be thoroughly examined and that the integrity of public office demands accountability when serious accusations arise.
Source Breitbart
Original article
Comments