A number of Democratic lawmakers are pulling their endorsement of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) following allegations of sexual assault by a former House staffer.
According to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) expressed their disapproval after reviewing the claims. Swalwell, who is running for governor of California, has faced accusations from an anonymous woman alleging that he sexually assaulted her on two occasions.
One specific claim comes from a woman who began working for Swalwell at the age of 21. She alleged that he pursued her, sending inappropriate messages and asking for nude photos.
In one incident from September 2019, the woman reported having drinks with Swalwell and, being highly intoxicated, waking up naked in his hotel room and feeling the effects of vaginal intercourse.
In a different encounter in April 2024, she recounted meeting Swalwell for drinks after a charity gala, but emphasized that she clearly pushed him away and said “no” when he tried to make advances.
She recalled that Swalwell, who is married and significantly older than her, attempted to kiss her while she was driving after a donor meeting. A few weeks later, while giving him a ride, he allegedly exposed himself and requested oral sex, which she reluctantly performed in a parking lot.
The woman said that after getting intoxicated during their September 2019 outing, she couldn’t remember what transpired but awoke in Swalwell’s bed, distressed. Following that night, she recalled him distancing himself and their connection fading.
Five years later, at a benefit gala honoring Swalwell, she met up with him again for drinks, but felt so inebriated that the night became a blur, aside from her rejection of his advances.
“I came across the article in the San Francisco Chronicle and find the allegations very troubling,” Schiff tweeted. “This woman has shown great courage in coming forward, and her experience deserves our serious attention.”
“Consequently, I’m withdrawing my support and believe he should step back from the race,” Schiff added.
“I have taken the claims in the San Francisco Chronicle seriously,” Gallego stated. “What’s described is unacceptable. Women who share their stories deserve to be heard with respect, rather than belittled or dismissed.”
Gallego also expressed regret for defending Swalwell previously and stated he was shocked and upset by the allegations. “I’m officially withdrawing my support for Congressman Swalwell.”
Former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), also in the governor’s race, described the allegations as “horrifying,” expressing her support for the women who came forward.
“The claims against Congressman Swalwell are alarming,” Porter noted. “We stand with the brave individuals sharing their experiences.”
Chad Bianco, the Sheriff of Riverside County and a Republican candidate in the gubernatorial race, called for Swalwell to resign not only from his campaign but also from his position in the Legislature.
“First, I send my prayers to the victims of Eric Swalwell. They deserve our compassion,” Bianco commented. “It’s imperative that he steps down from the gubernatorial race as well as his legislative role.”
