Over 50 former employees have come forward with startling accusations of sexual misconduct against Eric Swalwell, a candidate for governor in California. These allegations, which include claims of rape by a former aide, have been described as both “serious” and “credible” by the accusers.
In a dramatic move, the ex-staffers issued a collective statement urging Swalwell to withdraw from politics, as his career faces potential ruin due to these allegations from four women. Among these claims is a disturbing rape accusation by a former aide.
This development has set the stage for a contentious battle in the House, with Republicans eager to remove Swalwell while Democrats prepare to retaliate against Republicans embroiled in their own controversies.
Amidst this political turmoil, the Department of Homeland Security announced on Sunday that it is investigating allegations that Swalwell unlawfully employed a Brazilian nanny, allowing her to reside in the U.S. illegally.
The public letter, released on Sunday, emphatically stated: “The allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN are serious, credible, and demand accountability.
“We stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth. We believe her.”
It continued: “Remaining in either role while these allegations hang unresolved is an insult to every person who has ever worked for him, reported to him, or placed their trust in him.”
It added: “Any decision of staff members to remain in their roles in the interim should not be viewed as support for Eric Swalwell.
“We recognize that not everyone — in particular our junior staff — can immediately forfeit their income and benefits without significant personal risk or consequence.”
Swalwell’s reputation is in free fall after four women on Friday accused the congressman of sexual misconduct, including alleged rape.
One of the women, a former staffer, claimed he raped her when she was drunk and left her bruised and bleeding during the alleged 2024 attack in New York. The Manhattan DA has launched an investigation.
Another woman alleged she also awoke next to him in a hotel room after a drunken night out, adding he allegedly kissed her and touched her leg without consent.
Swalwell has fiercely denied the allegations, saying alongside a video he posted on Friday they are “flat false.”
He and his lawyer have alluded to the timing of allegations being suspicious, part of a bigger political play to bring him down in a race where he was a leading Democratic candidate.
Another unsigned letter from current staffers was released on Saturday, denouncing the alleged actions of the congressman.
That letter called for understanding for staff members that had to stay in the job for financial reasons. Since Friday, Swalwell’s campaign has imploded.
Close political allies have turned their backs on him, including fellow congressmen that helped build his campaign and vouch for him. Labor unions and other organizations have withdrawn their endorsements.
Gavin Newsom released a statement to The Post on Sunday but failed to call for the Democrat to step down.
He said: “As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.”
The scandal has set up a brutal fight in Congress as Republicans and Democrats plot shootouts over Swalwell and other colleagues with murky pasts.
Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said she would force a House floor vote this coming week to remove him.
But House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others are expected to counter with a move to expel Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, who has been embroiled in a sexual scandal as well.
A staffer whom Gonzales allegedly had an affair with committed suicide.
Gonzales has admitted to the affair but insisted “I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing.” He dropped his reelection bid in response.
The tit-for-tat expulsions could also expand to another Democrat and another Republican in Congress. Florida Republican Rep. Cory Mills has been linked to a report of an assault on a woman.
And Democratic Florida Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been indicted and is accused of embezzling $5 million of federal disaster money.
Both have denied wrongdoing.
Here’s the latest on the allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell
More legal trouble could be on the way after the California Post reported on a complaint alleging he hired a Brazilian nanny under the table for a number of years.
That complaint was referred to the Department of Homeland Security for an investigation, Politico reported.
Even before the accusations, Swalwell has been dogged by a number of issues. He faced questions over his residency in California, where he claimed to rent out of a Livermore home. But the Post went and visited neighbors who said they couldn’t identify him.
Swalwell was also scrutinized for reports that he repeatedly pitched his AI startup, Findraiser, to fellow House Democrats and political operatives through texts, emails and in-person outreach.
His finances were under heavy duress, tax records seem to indicate. Swalwell dipped into his retirement savings and postponed his tax payments.
He has also constantly used campaign funds to reimburse for child care, including during this governor’s race, state records show.
The ultimate blow, however, were the sexual allegations. Rumors about them swirled for a week before the Friday reports, when influencers on social media claimed they would be coming up.
Even back then, Swalwell projected confidence that those claims were all just political attacks. He said at a April 7 town hall that the rumors were “false.”
“There has never been an allegation and there has never been a settlement,” said Swalwell.
Yet his claims that he didn’t use any non-disclosure agreement — a reasoning given for why the victims haven’t come forward until now — were contradicted by reports of a staffer who shared they did use such agreements.
