California Gubernatorial Candidate Swalwell Faces Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Former campaign volunteer claims two separate incidents of unwanted advances and exposure

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:00am

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary car parked in an empty urban lot, with warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows creating a cinematic, nostalgic mood that conceptually represents the private, isolated nature of the alleged misconduct.The allegations against Swalwell have cast a shadow over his gubernatorial campaign, raising questions about the treatment of campaign staff and the need for thorough investigations into claims of misconduct.Today in Sacramento

A woman who volunteered on Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign for California governor has come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, claiming two separate incidents occurred after campaign-related events in recent years. The accuser alleges Swalwell tried to kiss her without consent and exposed himself in one incident, and that she woke up in a hotel bed with him after a night of drinking, with no memory of how she got there, in another.

Why it matters

These allegations have intensified scrutiny on Swalwell, a longtime Democratic congressman, as he campaigns for governor. Several Democratic rivals have described the accusations as 'troubling' and called for a thorough examination, while emphasizing the need to support potential victims.

The details

According to the accuser, who has not been publicly named, the first incident took place after she drove Swalwell home from a campaign event. She alleges that while they were in his car in a parking lot, Swalwell tried to kiss her without her consent and then exposed his penis. In a separate incident, the woman said she and Swalwell went out drinking together. She claims she became heavily intoxicated and later woke up in a hotel bed with him, with no memory of how she arrived there or what occurred in the interim. She described the situation as non-consensual due to her level of intoxication.

  • The first alleged incident occurred after a campaign event in recent years.
  • The second alleged incident occurred after the accuser and Swalwell went out drinking together.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A longtime Democratic congressman from California's East Bay who is currently running for governor.

Unnamed accuser

A woman who volunteered on Swalwell's campaign for California governor and has come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

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What’s next

As of April 10, 2026, no criminal charges have been filed, and no lawsuit has been publicly announced in connection with these specific claims. The accuser has reportedly shared supporting materials, such as messages to friends and other records, with at least one news outlet, but the allegations remain unverified by independent investigations or court proceedings.

The takeaway

These allegations against a high-profile Democratic candidate for governor raise concerns about the treatment of campaign staff and volunteers, as well as the need for thorough investigations into claims of sexual misconduct, regardless of a candidate's political affiliation.