Congressman Eric Swalwell has forcefully denied allegations of sexual assault as calls grow for him to withdraw from the California governor race. In a video statement shared on Instagram and his official congressional account on X, the California Democrat vowed to fight the allegations with “everything I have”.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false, they did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have,” he said. Swalwell also apologised for mistakes in judgement, saying: “Those mistakes are between me and my wife and to her, I apologise deeply for putting her in this position.”
The San Francisco Chronicle published an account from a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell on two separate occasions. The woman, a former employee, alleged the assaults occurred when she was too intoxicated to consent. Three other women also alleged sexual misconduct in interviews with CNN. Swalwell’s campaign sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the women, calling their accounts “false”.
Several prominent Democrats, including House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and California senator Adam Schiff, have called on Swalwell to leave the race. Schiff rescinded his endorsement, and Arizona senator Ruben Gallego also pulled his support. Three campaign employees have exited Swalwell’s campaign. Governor Gavin Newsom said the allegations “must be taken seriously”.
