A lawyer for Representative Eric Swalwell alleges a conspiracy among Democrats behind the sexual misconduct claims made against him.
Prominent California Democratic figures, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Representative Nancy Pelosi, and Senator Adam Schiff, have recently pulled their support for the 45-year-old congressman.
Elias Davai, Swalwell’s attorney, shared with CNN that he believes this withdrawal of support is part of a strategy to undermine Swalwell and potentially direct votes to another Democrat, perhaps Representative Katie Porter.
“The notion that all these individuals rallied together makes me think there’s some kind of secretive political maneuvering aimed at consolidating votes to navigate the primary successfully,” he explained.
“So, I guess I’m not really shocked.”
Davai also mentioned that it’s uncertain when Swalwell might resume his campaign activities.
“That remains unclear,” he stated on CNN. “He’s currently spending time with his family, which is his choice to make.”
These allegations have stirred significant backlash from other Democrats, leading Swalwell to cancel a scheduled campaign event on Thursday in Palm Springs, declaring the accusations are based on “falsehoods.”
Davai supported Swalwell’s stance during an interview.
“Let me emphasize that we take these allegations very seriously,” he said.
“The congressman firmly denies any wrongdoing, and we plan to defend his rights legally.”
He added that Swalwell “acknowledges any possible errors in judgment, but again, he categorically denies any wrongdoing.”
Senator Ruben Gallego and former campaign co-chair, Jimmy Gomez, are among those who have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct. Davai suggested that they might have “acted hastily” in making their remarks.
“People are entitled to their opinions,” he commented. “But I think this illustrates rushing to judgment. There hasn’t been any evidence presented to support these allegations. That’s their decision.”
Swalwell’s campaign faces considerable challenges in recovering its former stance following these allegations. A Democratic strategist remarked that the accusations carry “serious ramifications and could be career-ending.”
A campaign aide claimed Swalwell was involved in non-consensual sex in 2019 after having consumed alcohol.
Davai indicated that he may pursue legal action against Swalwell’s accusers for defamation over their claims regarding “nonconsensual sexual contact.”
With less than two months remaining until California’s Democratic primary on June 2, the situation continues to unfold.
