Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell Denies Sexual Assault Allegations

Former staffer accuses Swalwell of assaulting her twice when she was too drunk to consent

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:25pm by

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty political office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the room, creating a sense of solitude and contemplation.As allegations of sexual assault rock a California gubernatorial campaign, the political landscape grows increasingly complex and uncertain.San Francisco Today

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California gubernatorial candidate, has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent. The woman, who was not named, detailed the alleged encounters to the San Francisco Chronicle, which published the story. Swalwell threatened legal action, calling the allegations "false" and timed to coincide with the election. Several prominent Democrats, including Rep. Jimmy Gomez and Sens. Ruben Gallego and Adam Schiff, have withdrawn their support for Swalwell's campaign in the wake of the accusations.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell, a high-profile Democratic politician, come at a critical time in the California gubernatorial race and could have significant political implications. The story also highlights ongoing concerns about sexual misconduct and the challenges faced by those who come forward with such claims, especially against powerful figures.

The details

According to the Chronicle report, the former staffer alleged that Swalwell started pursuing her shortly after she was hired to work in his district office in Castro Valley in 2019. She said he sent her inappropriate photos, requested nude photos, and asked her to perform oral sex on him in a parking lot. The woman also alleged that after going out for drinks with Swalwell in September 2019, she woke up naked in his hotel bed with little recollection of the night. In 2024, when she no longer worked for Swalwell, she said she met him for drinks after a charity gala in New York, became intoxicated, and only remembers parts of the night, including allegedly pushing him away and telling him "no" while he forced himself on her. She said she woke up the next morning with vaginal bleeding and bruises.

  • In September 2019, the woman alleged she woke up naked in Swalwell's hotel bed after going out for drinks with him.
  • In 2024, the woman alleged she met Swalwell for drinks after a charity gala in New York, became intoxicated, and only remembers parts of the night, including allegedly pushing him away and telling him "no" while he forced himself on her.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic U.S. Representative from California who is running for governor. He has denied the allegations of sexual assault against him.

The Former Staffer

A woman who previously worked in Swalwell's district office and has accused him of sexually assaulting her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent.

Jimmy Gomez

A Democratic U.S. Representative from California who was a campaign chair for Swalwell's gubernatorial bid. He has called on Swalwell to drop out of the race in the wake of the allegations.

Ruben Gallego

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Arizona who had endorsed Swalwell's campaign. He has withdrawn his endorsement in light of the accusations.

Adam Schiff

A Democratic U.S. Senator from California who had endorsed Swalwell's campaign. He has also withdrawn his endorsement due to the allegations.

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What they’re saying

“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor. For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.”

— Eric Swalwell, Democratic U.S. Representative

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

— Jimmy Gomez, Democratic U.S. Representative

“What is described is indefensible. Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed. I regret having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information. I am equally as shocked and upset about what has transpired.”

— Ruben Gallego, Democratic U.S. Senator

“I was deeply distressed by the accusations against Eric Swalwell, and I call on him to withdraw from the race.”

— Adam Schiff, Democratic U.S. Senator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These allegations against a high-profile Democratic politician raise serious concerns about sexual misconduct and the challenges faced by those who come forward with such claims, especially against powerful figures. The story highlights the need for continued vigilance and accountability in addressing these issues within the political sphere.