Online discussions have intensified around sexual harassment claims against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), a prominent candidate in California’s gubernatorial race. Despite Swalwell’s denials and legal notices from his attorneys, one alleged victim has come forward publicly, asserting that Swalwell took advantage of her while she was intoxicated. Allegations, as detailed in a recent report, suggest that Swalwell pressured her for explicit photos, sent her his own, and even demanded sexual acts during car rides.
The unnamed accuser, who reportedly worked for Swalwell for about two years, shared her experience with the San Francisco Chronicle. She claims that Swalwell pursued her shortly after she joined his district office, even though she was married. Young staff members recalled experiences of blacking out from drinking and waking up in Swalwell’s hotel bed, with evidence of sexual activity. Following these events, their relationship cooled but reportedly revived years later, sparking additional incidents.
“Eric Swalwell should resign immediately,” Democratic strategist Babik Ratia commented after the Chronicle’s report was published. Others, like former San Jose mayor Matt Mahan, called for Swalwell to “step aside” to uphold accountability within the party.
Sen. Ruben Gallego, a friend of Swalwell, expressed regret for initially attempting to downplay the allegations. He later stated, “What is described is indefensible,” and withdrew his support for Swalwell. Meanwhile, Swalwell has continued to deny the allegations, asserting that claims of pressured non-disclosure agreements are false. His spokesperson echoed this, suggesting that the allegations are politically motivated as Swalwell leads in the gubernatorial race.
Cheyenne Hunt, a former Capitol Hill aide, has been vocal on behalf of Swalwell’s accusers, stating that Swalwell has resorted to intimidation tactics to silence women. Following the cease-and-desist letter sent to her, she claimed that such actions reflect a troubling abuse of power against those brave enough to come forward.
The alleged victim remembered how their relationship advanced through Snapchat, with Swalwell asking for increasingly intimate photos. In one instance, she recounts a car ride where he made a non-consensual advance, and on another occasion, after drinking, she woke up in his hotel room with physical signs reflective of sexual intercourse. She didn’t report these incidents initially, fearing disbelief.
After coming forward publicly, she mentioned feeling the need to ensure that future victims wouldn’t suffer similar experiences. “I think I have a right to know whether the person who leads a state treats women with dignity,” she said. Her experiences have raised questions about the culture surrounding women in politics and their safety.
Late Thursday, Swalwell’s attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter directed at those amplifying the allegations, which has drawn further scrutiny and accusations of intimidation. The conversation surrounding the allegations now escalates as others have reportedly come forth with their own experiences involving Swalwell.
