The office of Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) has expressed “horror” regarding the sexual assault allegations made against him, as stated in a letter released by his staff involved in his campaign for governor.
In a communication obtained by Politico, some senior campaign staff, who chose to remain anonymous, along with other women who have come forward, voiced their support for Swalwell. The letter, attributed to “more than a dozen anonymous staff members,” was directed at Swalwell’s former team.
Reportedly, the California Democrat has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman on two occasions. As detailed by San Francisco Chronicle, the woman alleged that during one incident, Swalwell, 45 and married, made an unwanted advance while she was driving him home from a donor meeting. A short while later, she claimed he exposed himself and requested oral sex while they were in a parked car, which she said she complied with.
The woman described another incident in September 2019, stating she went out for drinks with Swalwell and ended up so intoxicated that she couldn’t recall what occurred afterward. She later awoke naked in his hotel room with signs of sexual activity. Following that, according to her, Swalwell distanced himself from her, and their connection deteriorated.
Years later, she attended a gala in April 2024 honoring him. Although she no longer worked for Swalwell, they went out for drinks again, but she found herself too drunk to remember much, recalling only fragments of pushing him away and stating “no.”
Former staff members also spoke to CNN about additional incidents, with “three other women” discussing various allegations of sexual misconduct against Swalwell.
In their letter, the staffers expressed their shock at the allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. “We stand with our former colleagues and the other women who have come forward, and we believe you should stand with them too,” they said.
The officials elaborated, saying, “The conduct detailed in these reports is an abhorrent violation of the dignity of those who hold public office and a betrayal of the trust of all Californians.”
They further acknowledged the need for leadership and stability during this tough time, emphasizing that any decision by staff to stay on should not be interpreted as support for Swalwell.
Several Democrats, including Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), along with Reps. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), have publicly retracted their support for Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign and urged him to step down.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also weighed in, stating that women making “serious allegations” against Congress members deserve respect and should be heard. “This extremely sensitive matter must be properly investigated with full transparency and accountability,” she noted, adding that this should occur outside the context of the gubernatorial race.
