Democratic Leader’s Stance on Swalwell Resignation
Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has not commented on whether he encouraged U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) to step down from Congress amid increasing sexual assault allegations against him.
As Jeffries was leaving an event, he was approached by reporters inquiring about his involvement in Swalwell’s potential resignation. One reporter asked directly, “Did you force Mr. Swalwell to resign?” Jeffries replied, “Conversations I have had with members remain private.”
When pressed on why he hadn’t publicly called for Swalwell’s resignation considering the serious nature of the allegations, he merely stated, “He made the right decision.”
Swalwell’s political standing took a serious hit over the weekend after allegations surfaced from a former staffer, detailing incidents of sexual assault. Reports indicate that the congressman allegedly assaulted her on multiple occasions, with accusations ranging from attempted unwanted advances to exposing himself and demanding sexual acts. The accuser also recounted an incident where, after a night of drinking, she found herself naked in Swalwell’s hotel room.
According to details shared, in September 2019, Swalwell invited her out for drinks, but things became unclear as she consumed too much alcohol. She stated she woke up in his hotel room, physically aware of having engaged in sexual activity. Following that encounter, she felt he distanced himself from her, and their connection faded.
Years later, at an April 2024 gala honoring Swalwell, she reported that they had drinks together again. She mentioned feeling extremely intoxicated and only recalling snippets of the night, during which she allegedly resisted his advances, asserting “no.”
Other women have since come forward with similar stories, including one who claims to have woken up in Swalwell’s room without recalling how she ended up there. Another accuser, Rona Drews, held a press conference detailing her accusations, claiming that Swalwell drugged her, raped her, and strangled her until she lost consciousness.
