California Governor Candidate Eric Swalwell Faces Criminal Probe Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Multiple women have accused the Democratic congressman of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior, leading to a swift political fallout.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:43pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting of a politician's silhouette in motion, repeated in overlapping geometric shapes and muted colors, conveying a sense of political instability and turmoil.The allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell have upended the California governor's race, exposing the political fallout from claims of sexual misconduct.NYC Today

Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate in the California governor's race, is under criminal investigation after numerous women accused him of sexual misconduct. Swalwell has denied the claims, which have rapidly upended the race and triggered calls from prominent Democrats for him to withdraw. Prosecutors in New York opened a criminal investigation on Saturday into an allegation that Swalwell sexually assaulted a former staffer in New York City in 2024. Swalwell is facing claims from four separate women, including the former staffer who accused him of sexual assault.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell have significantly disrupted the California governor's race, leading to lost endorsements, staff departures, and mounting pressure for him to end his campaign. The criminal investigation and growing number of accusers have raised serious questions about Swalwell's conduct and fitness for public office.

The details

The most serious accusation comes from a former Swalwell staffer who told CNN that Swalwell raped her in 2024 after a night of heavy drinking, alleging she was 'heavily intoxicated,' physically injured, and repeatedly told him to stop. She also alleged a prior incident in 2019 where she woke up naked in a hotel room with Swalwell after drinking, with no memory of what occurred. Three additional women described separate instances of alleged misconduct, including unwanted sexual messages, explicit photos, and nonconsensual physical encounters.

  • On April 12, 2026, multiple reports of sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell surfaced.
  • On April 13, 2026, prosecutors in New York opened a criminal investigation into the allegation that Swalwell sexually assaulted a former staffer in 2024.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who was a leading candidate in the race for California governor before the sexual misconduct allegations surfaced.

Alvin Bragg

The Manhattan District Attorney who announced the criminal investigation into the allegations against Swalwell.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California who is term-limited and seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Nancy Pelosi

The former Speaker of the House who called on Swalwell to end his campaign for governor to allow for a full investigation of the allegations.

Adam Schiff

A Democratic senator who has called on Swalwell to drop out of the governor's race.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have. They also come on the eve of an election where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor in California.”

— Eric Swalwell, Congressman

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

— Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney

“I was pushing him off of me, saying no. He didn't stop.”

— Former Swalwell staffer

What’s next

The judge in the criminal case against Swalwell will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to remain free on bail during the investigation.

The takeaway

The allegations against Swalwell have severely damaged his campaign for California governor, leading to lost endorsements, staff departures, and calls from prominent Democrats for him to withdraw. The criminal investigation and growing number of accusers have raised serious questions about Swalwell's conduct and fitness for public office, underscoring the ongoing challenges around sexual misconduct in politics.