Four women have come forward with serious allegations against Eric Swalwell, including claims of sexual assault and misconduct, notably one who alleges she was raped.
The situation escalated for the California gubernatorial candidate on Friday when former employees shared disturbing experiences they say occurred.
One woman, previously on Swalwell’s staff, described an incident in 2024 where she was intoxicated and, reportedly, raped, resulting in visible injuries.
She recounted a separate instance from 2019 when she awoke in a hotel room next to Swalwell after a night of heavy drinking, suggesting they had engaged in sexual activity.
Another woman detailed meeting Swalwell online, claiming she also found herself in his hotel room after a night out, where he allegedly kissed her and inappropriately touched her.
Social media influencer Ally Sammarco mentioned that Swalwell sent her explicit pictures on Snapchat while chatting about politics.
On Friday, several Democratic figures, including Nancy Pelosi, urged Swalwell to step down from the governor race, asserting that an investigation should take place.
Swalwell, who has been married since 2016 and has three children, vehemently denies the accusations. He has sent cease-and-desist letters to at least two of the women involved.
In a statement, Swalwell said, “These claims are false and arose just before an election against a leading candidate for governor.” He emphasized his long-standing commitment to protecting women in his career as a prosecutor and lawmaker, suggesting he might take legal action.
Reflecting on the alleged 2024 incident, the former employee told CNN that she resisted Swalwell’s advances, stating, “I pushed him away and said, ‘No,’ but he didn’t stop.”
She explained that the event led her to undergo tests for pregnancy and STDs, later informing a friend about the attack.
In a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, another staff member provided unsettling details, claiming disorientation upon waking next to Swalwell, with signs of physical trauma.
Having joined Swalwell’s 2019 presidential campaign after completing her studies, she later worked in his district office.
She later described receiving explicit photos from Swalwell and was reportedly taken aback when he attempted to kiss her during a car ride post-event.
In another account, she mentioned a disturbing incident where a man exposed himself in her vehicle and initiated sexual acts in a parking lot.
A different woman, who had aimed for a career in politics, expressed shock at Swalwell’s interest after initially reaching out to him regarding a social media post. Their dinner, which she expected to be professional, took a different turn when Swalwell began to make aggressive physical advances.
She was reportedly left with little memory after a night together and later expressed her feelings through a text message stating, “All you did was harm me.” Swalwell’s response was reportedly one of apology.
Other allegations surfaced, suggesting Swalwell had contacted women via social media, with claims of him sending inappropriate photos and engaging in lewd behavior on a plane.
Once dubbed the “Snapchat King of Congress,” Swalwell’s previous enthusiasm for the app has now come under scrutiny.
In her report, Sammarco recalled messaging Swalwell in 2021 and receiving provocative messages in return, which transitioned to Snapchat for more explicit communications.
Worryingly, another woman in marketing recounted Swalwell’s unsolicited advances and inappropriate comments on her social media posts.
The string of allegations has led to significant political fallout, with several of Swalwell’s staff resigning and prominent figures withdrawing support from his campaign.
In light of these events, Swalwell’s fundraising page was taken down as calls for investigation intensified, notably from Pelosi, who has urged for his resignation.
Prior to the public allegations, Swalwell’s legal team proactively sent letters addressing the accusations, claiming they were unfounded and detrimental to his campaign just weeks before the election.
Swalwell is yet to provide additional comment on the ongoing situation.
