California Representative Eric Swalwell’s bid for the governorship is facing significant turmoil following accusations from a former aide, who claimed he sexually assaulted her on two occasions. These allegations have led to a swift exodus of campaign staff even before the allegations became public.
According to a report by The San Francisco Chronicle, the woman, who served under Swalwell for two years, accused him of engaging in sexual activities with her during her employment, asserting that these incidents occurred while she was unable to give consent due to her intoxicated state.
Swalwell, who is a prominent Democratic contender for the California governor’s seat, has categorically denied the allegations.
Shortly after, Politico highlighted that at least four individuals involved in his campaign have suddenly resigned, adding further strain to his political ambitions.
In recent days, speculation has been rife online, suggesting that potentially damaging information about Swalwell was on the verge of being revealed.
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.
Representative Eric Swalwell, who is running for California governor, was accused of sexually assaulting a former staffer twice when she was too intoxicated to give consent. He’s issued a blanket denial
‘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 Brittany Ann 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.
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.
California gubernatorial candidate, Representative Eric Swalwell, lost several members of his staff as allegations of sexual impropriety were being revealed to the public on Friday
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 tracked 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.
Several senators withdrew their support of Swalwell following the allegations against him
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.’
Representative Jimmy Gomez announced he was ‘stepping down’ from Swalwell’s campaign.
‘The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction or delay,’ he said.
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.’
