The Manhattan district attorney's office has confirmed it is investigating a sexual assault allegation against Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell, who is running for governor of California. The probe follows a report in the San Francisco Chronicle detailing accusations from a former staffer.
The woman, who worked in Swalwell's district office, alleged two nonconsensual sexual encounters in California in 2019 and New York in 2024, claiming she was too intoxicated to consent. New York law prohibits consent if a person is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless due to drugs or alcohol, though voluntary intoxication may not always negate consent.
In an interview with CNN, the woman directly accused Swalwell of rape. The broadcaster also reported that three other women accused him of sending inappropriate messages, including naked images, and unwanted touching. The DA's office urged anyone with information to contact its special victims division.
Swalwell has denied the allegations as 'absolutely false' and suggested they are politically motivated, coming ahead of the June primary for governor. He stated, 'These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.'
Staff at Swalwell's office condemned the alleged behaviour, saying it 'betrays the trust of all Californians'. Prominent supporters have withdrawn backing, including all 21 of his congressional backers, and leading California Democrats have urged him to end his campaign. Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi called for an investigation 'outside of a gubernatorial campaign'.
