Swalwell Faces Sex Assault Probe After Ending Governor Bid

Manhattan DA investigates claims as House Ethics Committee launches own inquiry

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting of a solitary, shadowy figure of a politician standing alone in an empty government building hallway, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the somber mood surrounding the investigation into the allegations against the politician.The investigation into Rep. Swalwell's alleged misconduct casts a long shadow over the political landscape.Manhattan Today

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is investigating sex assault allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat who suspended his campaign to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom after the claims surfaced. Separately, the House Ethics Committee announced its own probe into allegations of sexual misconduct.

Why it matters

The investigation into Swalwell, a prominent Democratic politician, raises serious concerns about potential abuse of power and the treatment of women in politics. It also comes at a critical time, with Swalwell having ended his campaign for California governor amid the allegations.

The details

A former staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her when she was blackout drunk twice, including once in New York City in 2024. The woman, who was hired at 21 to work in Swalwell's district office in 2019, claimed her married boss began pursuing her weeks later, sending her naked pictures over Snapchat and asking for oral sex. On another occasion, she claimed to have awoken naked in Swalwell's bed after blacking out drinking. The New York investigation stems from separate allegations that they met up for drinks after a gala in Manhattan, where she claimed to remember only "snippets of the night" and telling Swalwell "no."

  • In 2019, the woman was hired at 21 to work in Swalwell's district office.
  • In 2024, the alleged sexual assault incidents occurred, including one in New York City.
  • On April 25, 2024, the woman claimed she met up with Swalwell for drinks after a gala in Manhattan.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A California Democratic congressman who suspended his campaign for California governor amid the allegations.

Alvin Bragg

The Manhattan District Attorney whose office is investigating the sex assault allegations against Swalwell.

House Ethics Committee

The congressional committee that announced its own probe into allegations of sexual misconduct against Swalwell.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have no skin in the game of who becomes governor of California, but I feel people have a right to know whether the person who leads a state that is a safe haven for so many women actually treats women with dignity and will protect their rights. No one protected me from him, and so I have to protect the other young women like me who aspire to work in this field and he could prey upon.”

— Unnamed former staffer

“We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373. Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.”

— Spokesperson, Manhattan District Attorney's Office

“I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made. But that's my fight, not a campaign's.”

— Eric Swalwell

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual misconduct allegations in politics, raising questions about power dynamics, accountability, and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable workers. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigations to ensure justice is served, regardless of an individual's political status.