Allegations Against Rep. Eric Swalwell
Recent reports have emerged accusing Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) of sexually assaulting a former female staff member.
The woman, who started working at Swalwell’s district office in Castro Valley in 2019 at the age of 21, claimed that he began to follow her and allegedly sent her explicit images. She also alleged that there were instances where Swalwell tried to kiss her in his car. Further allegations include a claim that he exposed himself and requested oral sex.
She recounted an occasion in September 2019 where Swalwell invited her for drinks. After consuming a significant amount of alcohol, she stated she woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, unsure of what had transpired the night before, but feeling as if she had experienced vaginal intercourse.
In April 2024, the woman attended an event honoring Swalwell and afterwards, they went for drinks. However, she noted she was very intoxicated and only remembered fragments of that night, including moments where she felt compelled to push him away and assert her refusal.
The woman described a night when Swalwell attempted to kiss her while she was driving him home. A few weeks later, during a car ride to another event, she alleged that he exposed himself and made a sexual request, which she said she complied with in a parking lot.
She also asserted that after their encounter in the hotel, Swalwell distanced himself from her. Later, at the April gala, despite being unable to recall much, she claimed to have resisted his advances.
In response to the allegations, Swalwell labeled them as false, asserting that he has been dedicated to protecting women throughout his nearly 20 years of public service as a prosecutor and lawmaker.
“These claims are false and were made on the eve of an election against the front-runner for governor,” Swalwell stated. “I will protect myself with the facts and take legal action if necessary,” he added.
Swalwell’s attorney, Elias Davayer, argued that the woman was not acting like a victim but rather a cooperative colleague. On the contrary, the woman’s lawyer, Gerald Singleton, maintained that her claims are entirely factual and would not be retracted.
Davayer contended that the woman’s credibility is compromised due to her previous cooperative relationship with Swalwell.
In light of the accusations, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) announced he would withdraw his support for Swalwell in the upcoming California gubernatorial race.
“I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s reporting and take it seriously,” Gallego stated, emphasizing that the described actions are indefensible. He added that women who come forward deserve respect and should not be dismissed.
Gallego expressed his regret for having defended Swalwell on social media prior to gathering all the necessary information, declaring he was shocked and upset by the situation.
