California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell has publicly apologized to his wife amid a growing controversy over accusations of sexual assault and misconduct, which threaten to derail his campaign.
The Congressman, known for his vocal stance against former President Trump, took to social media to address the allegations as more women came forward and pressure mounted from fellow Democrats urging him to withdraw from the race.
“There have been numerous anonymous allegations against me today, and I believe it’s important to address them directly,” Swalwell stated in the video.
He firmly denied the accusations, declaring, “These allegations of sexual assault are completely false. They never happened, and I am prepared to fight them with everything I have.”
Swalwell hinted at a possible conspiracy, noting the timing of the allegations just before the June 2 primary, where he claimed to be the “frontrunner.” However, according to the Real Clear Politics average, he trails behind Republican Steve Hilton in the primary race.
“I am not claiming to be perfect or a saint. I have certainly made errors in judgment in my past, but those are issues between me and my wife,” Swalwell added.
Swalwell then addressed wife Brittany Watts, saying that he apologizes to her ‘deeply for putting her in this position.’
The Congressman also apologized to his supporters if any of the allegations had made them doubt their support for him.
Eric Swalwell issued a video where he continued to deny sexual assault claims against him as his campaign for governor of California hangs in the balance
Swalwell addressed wife Brittany Watts in the video, saying that he apologizes to her ‘deeply for putting her in this position.’
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass became the latest prominent Democrat to condemn Swalwell Friday, after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Governor Gavin Newsom and longtime Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
He did not make any clarification about whether he would stay in the race but restated his case as someone who could not engage in this sort of behavior.
‘For over 20 years, I have served the public as a city councilman, as a member of Congress, and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims, particularly on behalf of sexual assault victims. That’s who I am and have always been.’
Swalwell finished by saying he would spend this weekend ‘having time with my family and friends’ before expressing thanks to those who had offered support.
‘I look forward to updating you very soon.’
At least four women have now accused the Congressman of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer’s claim that he sexually assaulted her twice, The New York Post reported.
They included one woman who said that he kissed her and touched her leg without consent and an influencer who claimed he’d sent her lewd photos on social media.
Another woman told CNN that she and Swalwell were at a bar when she went to go to the bathroom and has lost her memory of what happened afterwards.
She said she woke up naked the next morning in his hotel room without even realizing it was his.
Pelosi and Swalwell stand side-by-side during a press conference in 2018
Gavin Newsom was one of the prominent Democrats who urged Swalwell to step aside
The anonymous woman said that she has flashes of Swalwell grabbing her and also telling him ‘no.’
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass became the latest prominent Democrat to condemn Swalwell Friday, after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Governor Gavin Newsom and longtime Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.
‘Mr. Swalwell should end his campaign and resign from Congress immediately. His conduct is incompatible with elected office. The women who came forward deserve to be heard and deserve justice,’ she wrote.
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a statement alongside Jeffries calling for an investigation into the allegations.
According to a spokesperson for Pelosi, she called for the ‘extremely sensitive allegations’ to be ‘appropriately investigated.’
‘The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard,’ she said.
‘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.’
Politico reported that at least four staffers on Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign have abruptly departed.
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a statement alongside Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (pictured) calling for an investigation into the allegations
At least four women have now accused the Congressman of sexual misconduct, following a former staffer’s claim that he sexually assaulted her twice
Rumors have swirled online for days that something discrediting about Swalwell was about to be exposed.
It comes as Swalwell appeared to be pushing through a crowded field of Democrats ahead of California’s nonpartisan June 2 primary.
Swalwell suggested the allegations were timed to tank his rising campaign.
‘These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,’ he said in a statement. ‘For nearly 20 years, I have served the public – as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.’
‘I will defend myself with the facts and, where necessary, bring legal action,’ he continued. ‘My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.’
The Democratic congressman has been married to Watts since 2016 and the couple has three children.
Before the sexual assault allegations came out, Swalwell had appeared to be benefiting politically from another salacious story about him in the news.
Late last month, FBI Director Kash Patel was exposed for trying to resurrect an investigation into a suspected Chinese spy who laid a ‘honey trap’ and targeted Swalwell more than a decade ago.
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar called the allegations ‘incredibly disturbing’ in a statement
Patel was trying to have documents released about the investigation.
The Washington Post first reported on the scheme, noting how highly unusual it would be for the FBI to release files from an investigation that didn’t result in charges.
There was no evidence of wrongdoing on Swalwell’s part.
What Swalwell had done is criticize President Donald Trump and serve as an impeachment manager amid the President’s second impeachment, which revolved around his role in the January 6 Capitol attack.
The Democratic congressman was also listed as one of Patel’s ‘government gangsters’ in the FBI Director’s 2023 book.
Once Swalwell’s team caught wind of the story, his legal people demanded that the FBI halt any release of the documents and threatened to pursue legal action if the bureau didn’t agree to do so, the Post said.
Appearing to be targeted by Trump’s FBI chief gave Swalwell clout with some of California’s Democratic voters.
The latest allegations, however, could tank his campaign.
Politico reported that members of Swalwell’s senior leadership team are already out the door including Courtni Pugh, a strategic adviser who helped the Democrat get a boost among labor groups.
On Thursday night, Swalwell scrapped a town hall event with Representative Raul Ruiz, blaming illness.
Bracing for allegations to surface, his Democratic opponents had already started attacking the congressman, suggesting he’s a hypocrite for slamming men like Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, whose confirmation was nearly derailed by sexual misconduct allegations.
Others have withdrawn their endorsements and support of Swalwell just months ahead of the gubernatorial primary in June, including multiple senators.
‘I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations,’ California Senator Adam Schiff wrote on X.
‘This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously. I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race.’
‘I’ve read the San Francisco Chronicle’s reporting and I take it seriously. What is described is indefensible,’ Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego said.
‘Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed.’
Representative Ro Khanna called for ‘appropriate law enforcement investigations and House ethics investigations.’ Fellow candidate Tom Steyer said Swalwell ‘should be nowhere near any position of power.’
Swalwell, pictured above earlier this week, said the allegations against him were ‘false and came on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,’ he wrote in a statement
Representative Jimmy Gomez announced he was ‘stepping down’ from Swalwell’s campaign.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called on Swalwell via social media to ‘withdraw from the governor’s race and immediately resign from Congress.’
The California Teachers’ Association retracted its endorsements as the California Federation of Labor Unions said it was ‘acting urgently’ to determine ‘next steps.’
Even California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis said Swalwell ‘should withdraw from the race.’
‘The allegations against Congressman Eric Swalwell are deeply troubling, and I commend the women who have come forward for their courage,’ she said on X.
In light of the allegations, Representative Lauren Boebert announced that she would introduce a resolution that would censure officials for harassment.
‘This behavior is disgusting and unbecoming of a Member of Congress. It’s past time to answer for your actions you disgusting pervert,’ she wrote on X.
