California Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell is under significant pressure following allegations of sexual misconduct involving female staffers and others. This scrutiny is intensified as various opponents intensify their criticism ahead of the state’s gubernatorial primary set for June.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa expressed his disappointment with Swalwell on social media, stating that as more women come forward with accusations of harassment, Swalwell has, ironically, “fled town” instead of addressing them. Villaraigosa emphasized that if Swalwell wants to earn voters’ trust, he must face public questions directly, rather than hiding behind campaign strategies or social media.
In response, Swalwell’s campaign issued a statement to assert that claims about Democrats being inaccessible are “false” and “absurd.”
Swalwell’s spokesperson, Micah Beasley, noted that the congressman had recently spoken for nearly 90 minutes at a town hall in Sacramento and had engaged with the media afterward. He said Swalwell couldn’t attend a candidate forum due to other prior commitments. However, he did have a previous meeting with that group.
Villaraigosa’s commentary aligns with accusations circulated by Cheyenne Hunt, a former Democratic Congressional aide, and other left-leaning politicians who suggested that Swalwell had made unwanted advances toward women in his office, though no concrete evidence has been provided. These allegations loom large as Swalwell competes to remain among the top candidates advancing to the general election in November, amidst a crowded field that includes Trump-endorsed former Fox News personality Steve Hilton and others.
Another candidate, former Rep. Katie Porter, described the allegations as “alarming” and voiced her support for those who may still be considering coming forward with their stories. She expressed the importance of creating a safe environment for women to share their experiences when they are ready.
Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing, labeling the allegations as “outrageous” while suggesting that those making claims have affiliations with far-right groups. Despite encouragement from Hunt and others to take the claims seriously, no tangible evidence has emerged, and thus far, no women have publicly come forward with their accusations.
In a light-hearted yet pointed response, a social media post suggested that Swalwell has a past of inappropriate behavior toward interns—an allegation Swalwell has contested. Meanwhile, other political operatives have also weighed in, urging the party to regard the accusations with the seriousness they warrant.
Swalwell, who has been a vocal critic of former President Trump, has been in the House of Representatives since 2013. He is seeking to win the gubernatorial race in California in a campaign that has begun to unfold amid mounting controversy and competitive pressure.
