Eric Swalwell's California Governor Campaign Derailed by Sexual Assault Allegations

Former staffers accuse the Democratic congressman of misconduct, leading to calls for him to drop out of the race

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:27am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring the fragmented silhouette of a politician in overlapping waves of dark, moody colors, conveying the sense of a political scandal unfolding.The unraveling of Eric Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign exposes the deep fractures and turbulence within California's political landscape.Washington Today

Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign for California governor has been rocked by allegations of sexual assault and harassment from several former female staffers. At least four women have come forward with claims ranging from inappropriate messages to unwanted contact and even a reported sexual assault. The allegations have led to calls from both Democrats and Republicans for Swalwell to withdraw from the race and even resign from Congress.

Why it matters

The scandal surrounding Swalwell's campaign has significant political implications in California, where he was considered a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. The allegations could severely damage his political future and reshape the gubernatorial race, potentially opening the door for other candidates. The case also highlights broader issues around sexual misconduct in politics and the importance of taking such allegations seriously.

The details

According to reports, the allegations against Swalwell include a claim from a former staffer that she woke up next to the congressman in a New York City hotel room in 2019 after a night of heavy drinking, with no clear memory of what happened but a belief that they had sex. The Manhattan District Attorney's office has opened a criminal investigation into this alleged sexual assault. Several other women have also come forward with claims of inappropriate messages and unwanted physical contact from Swalwell.

  • In April 2024, a former staffer alleges she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell while drunk.
  • In 2019, a former staffer claims she woke up next to Swalwell in a New York City hotel room after a night of drinking, with no clear memory of what happened.
  • In recent weeks, at least three additional women have made allegations of sexual misconduct against Swalwell.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who is running for governor, but is now facing multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment from former female staffers.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader, a Democrat who has called on Swalwell to drop out of the gubernatorial race.

Adam Schiff

A Democratic senator from California who has also urged Swalwell to withdraw from the campaign.

Alvin Bragg

The Manhattan District Attorney whose office has opened a criminal investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a former Swalwell staffer.

Katie Porter

A former Democratic representative who is also running for California governor and has called on Swalwell to end his campaign and resign from Congress.

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What they’re saying

“These allegations are despicable, and they demean the integrity of Congress. These things are just completely unacceptable.”

— Rep. Byron Donalds, Republican Congressman from Florida

“I think that this is very important that we believe women and that we show people across the Capitol and across the country that we will not accept this kind of behavior.”

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Democratic Congresswoman from Washington

What’s next

The Manhattan District Attorney's office has opened a criminal investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a former Swalwell staffer. Swalwell has vowed to remain in the California governor's race, but many of his top advisors have abandoned his campaign and he has faced calls from both Democrats and Republicans to withdraw.

The takeaway

The allegations against Eric Swalwell have the potential to significantly reshape the California gubernatorial race and raise broader questions about sexual misconduct in politics. The scandal highlights the importance of taking such allegations seriously and the need for greater accountability for those in positions of power.