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Staffers Condemn Swalwell Over Sexual Assault Allegations
Unnamed campaign staffers express 'horror' over claims against California congressman
Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:37am by Ben Kaplan
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The swirling, fragmented visual style reflects the turbulent fallout from the sexual assault allegations against Rep. Swalwell, which have rocked his gubernatorial campaign.San Francisco TodayStaffers working for Rep. Eric Swalwell's congressional and gubernatorial campaigns have released a letter expressing their 'horror' over recent sexual assault allegations made against the California Democrat. The letter, signed by more than a dozen unnamed staffers, states they stand with the former staffer who came forward as well as other women who have made similar claims of misconduct. Several prominent Democrats have also withdrawn their endorsements of Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign in the wake of the allegations.
Why it matters
The allegations against Swalwell, a high-profile Democratic congressman, have rocked his gubernatorial campaign and raised concerns about potential abuse of power and the treatment of staffers in political offices. The staffers' letter highlights the delicate position they find themselves in, needing to provide 'guidance and stability' to their teams while distancing themselves from Swalwell's alleged actions.
The details
According to reports, a former Swalwell staffer told the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN that the congressman had sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions between 2019 and 2024, including trying to kiss her, exposing himself, and allegedly forcing himself on her while she was intoxicated. Three other women also reportedly told CNN about various forms of sexual misconduct by Swalwell. The staffers' letter condemns this 'abhorrent' behavior as 'beneath the dignity of those serving in public office'.
- In September 2019, the former staffer said Swalwell invited her out for drinks and she became severely intoxicated, waking up naked in his hotel bed.
- In April 2024, the former staffer attended a charity gala where Swalwell was honored, and she said they met for drinks afterward where she became inebriated and Swalwell allegedly forced himself on her.
The players
Rep. Eric Swalwell
A 45-year-old Democratic congressman from California who is running for governor and has been accused of sexual assault by a former staffer and several other women.
Former Swalwell Staffer
A woman who previously worked for Swalwell and has accused him of sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions between 2019 and 2024.
Unnamed Swalwell Staffers
More than a dozen staffers working on Swalwell's congressional and gubernatorial campaigns who released a letter condemning his alleged actions and expressing 'horror' over the allegations.
Sen. Adam Schiff
A Democratic senator from California who has withdrawn his endorsement of Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
The former Democratic Speaker of the House who has called for a full investigation into the allegations against Swalwell.
What they’re saying
“As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we're horrified by the recent reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle and by CNN. We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them, too.”
— Unnamed Swalwell Staffers, Campaign Staffers
“The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians.”
— Unnamed Swalwell Staffers, Campaign Staffers
“This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability. As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
— Nancy Pelosi, Former House Speaker
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Swalwell to continue his gubernatorial campaign while the allegations are investigated.
The takeaway
These allegations against a prominent Democratic politician highlight the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual misconduct in positions of power, and the need for thorough investigations that prioritize transparency and accountability to rebuild public trust.
