Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) speaks during a House Democratic hearing commemorating the 5th anniversary of the storming of the Capitol on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Capitol Visitor Center.
Tom Williams | CQ-Roll Call Inc. | Getty Images
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has so far denied calls to withdraw from the California gubernatorial race after he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman twice, including while on duty. After several prominent supporters withdrew their support, Swalwell said in a social media video that he would spend the weekend with family and friends and would share an update “soon.”
“These sexual assault allegations are completely false. Absolutely false. That didn’t happen, it never happened, and I will fight them with all my might,” the congressman said Friday.
Swalwell was one of the leading Democrats in the race to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom. But within hours, he saw his most prominent supporters, including Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions, withdraw their support and demand that he withdraw from the race.
Newsom, a likely 2028 presidential candidate, has avoided getting involved in the race to replace him, but said in a statement: “As further investigation progresses, these allegations from multiple sources are extremely concerning and must be taken seriously.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is not endorsing the race, said the “serious allegations” should be investigated and said she had spoken to Swalwell and suggested it be investigated “outside of the gubernatorial race.”
The allegations surfaced at a key stage in a wide-ranging campaign to lead the country’s most populous state. Voters will receive mail-in ballots next month ahead of the June 2 election.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper investigated text messages related to the 2024 alleged assault and spoke to people the woman told about it. She told the newspaper that she did not go to the police because she was afraid that she would not be believed.
The newspaper said the woman worked for Swalwell in 2019 when the first alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity event. She said in both cases she was unable to consent to sex.
The newspaper did not name the woman, and The Associated Press was unable to independently verify her account and identity. Her lawyer declined comment.
The alleged 2024 incident took place in New York, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced Saturday that it is investigating. The National Police Agency called on anyone with knowledge to contact the Special Victims Unit.
Quick backlash from prominent Democrats
Schiff said in a social media post that he was “deeply concerned” by the allegations and called on Swalwell to end his candidacy for governor.
Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped Mr. Swalwell with his campaign, said Mr. Swalwell would end his role effective immediately.
“Deputies should withdraw from the race now so that full accountability can be achieved without suspicion, confusion or delay,” Gomez said on social media.
The powerful California Service Employees International Union announced on Saturday that it was formally withdrawing its support and urged Mr. Swalwell to immediately withdraw from the race. The California Teachers Association announced that it would suspend support. And the California Federation of Labor Unions said it is “acting with urgency” on next steps.
A spokesperson for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations require a “serious and thorough investigation.”
Calls for Swalwell to leave grow louder
Mr. Swalwell is one of the few prominent candidates in the intense race to succeed Mr. Newsom, but he soon came under pressure from all of his other Democratic rivals to withdraw from the race. The party is mired in a crowded primary, with some leaders worried that the crowded field could cost them their spot in the November general election. The state’s top-two primary election system sends the top two vote-getters to the general election, regardless of party.
Swalwell kicked off a series of planned campaign events in Sacramento on Tuesday, where he told reporters he had never had a sexual relationship with a staffer or intern. He canceled an upcoming event scheduled for Thursday in Palm Springs.
Unconfirmed and unspecified rumors that Mr. Swalwell behaved inappropriately toward female staffers have been circulating on social media for weeks, but the Chronicle article is the first time someone has reportedly made a direct accusation. CNN also published an article that appeared to feature claims from the same woman, who was not named, as well as an article reporting claims by multiple women that Swalwell sent them inappropriate sexual messages.
He has suggested the allegations were part of a momentum attack from his own camp.
Mr. Swalwell was elected in 2012 and represents a Congressional district east of San Francisco. He began running for president in April 2019, but withdrew a few months later after failing to gain support from voters. Swalwell, who is married with three children, may be best known nationally for leading the House of Representatives during President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial of his first term in early 2021.
