Congressman Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations

Manhattan DA launches investigation into claims against California gubernatorial candidate

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:49am by

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty political office space, with a single chair and desk bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the uncertainty surrounding the sexual assault allegations against the congressman.The allegations against Congressman Swalwell have cast a somber, uncertain mood over his political future.San Francisco Today

Multiple women have come forward alleging that Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., sexually assaulted or harassed them while serving in Congress, including one incident that allegedly took place in New York. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has launched an investigation into the allegations, and several high-profile figures and groups have rescinded their endorsements of Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell, a prominent Democratic politician and gubernatorial candidate, could have significant political implications if proven true. The investigation by the Manhattan DA and the withdrawal of endorsements suggest the claims are being taken seriously and could potentially derail Swalwell's political ambitions.

The details

According to reports, one woman alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted her when she was too intoxicated to consent, with one of the incidents taking place in New York in 2024. Three additional women also came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, including claims that Swalwell kissed one woman without her consent and sent unsolicited photos or videos of his penis to two others. Swalwell has denied the allegations, calling them 'flat false'.

  • The allegations against Swalwell surfaced in the last two days, just weeks before California voters are set to begin voting in the state's primary for governor.
  • On Friday, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office launched an investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Swalwell.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who is a leading candidate in the state's upcoming gubernatorial primary.

Manhattan District Attorney's Office

The law enforcement agency that has launched an investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Swalwell.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

A Democratic leader in the House of Representatives who called the allegations against Swalwell 'disturbing' and urged him to end his gubernatorial campaign.

Rep. Lauren Boebert

A Republican congresswoman who plans to force a floor vote on a resolution to censure Swalwell.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

A Republican congresswoman who plans to introduce a resolution to expel Swalwell from Congress.

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What they’re saying

“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They're absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell

“The allegations against Congressman Swalwell are disturbing. We urge him to immediately end his campaign to be California's next Governor.”

— House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Leader

What’s next

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has urged survivors and anyone with knowledge of the allegations to contact their Special Victims Division. The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome could have significant political implications for Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign.

The takeaway

The sexual assault allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell, a prominent Democratic politician and gubernatorial candidate, have sparked a swift response, with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office launching an investigation and several high-profile figures and groups rescinding their endorsements. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching consequences for Swalwell's political future.