Several prominent California Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff, have withdrawn support from Eric Swalwell following reports alleging sexual misconduct involving the congressman. The developments come after multiple reports published Friday detailed allegations from a former staffer and other women
Several prominent California Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff, have withdrawn support from Eric
Several prominent California Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff, have withdrawn support from Eric Swalwell following reports alleging sexual misconduct involving the congressman. The developments come after multiple reports published Friday detailed allegations from a former staffer and other women.
Swalwell has denied the claims, and his attorney has issued cease-and-desist letters to some of the accusers, calling the allegations false, Fox News reported.
The former staffer, who spoke publicly, alleged that Swalwell took advantage of her while she was intoxicated during encounters that took place both while she worked for him and after she had left his office.
She said the congressman pressured her to send explicit photos and sent sexually explicit images of his own. She also alleged that during one encounter, Swalwell exposed himself in a car and requested sexual acts.
The woman said the interactions affected her professional relationship with Swalwell and described a pattern of behavior that included heavy drinking. She said that on multiple occasions, she blacked out and later woke up in a hotel room with signs that sexual activity had occurred.
According to her account, Swalwell became distant following at least one of the alleged encounters. She said their relationship later faded before they reconnected after she no longer worked for him, at which point another alleged incident took place.
Following the reporting, Swalwell’s campaign faced immediate political fallout
Following the reporting, Swalwell’s campaign faced immediate political fallout. His campaign website briefly displayed an error page related to endorsements, and several Democratic figures publicly withdrew their support.
“The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard,” Pelosi said in a statement. “As I discussed with Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign,” she said.
Schiff also announced he was withdrawing his endorsement after reviewing the reporting. “I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account, and I am deeply distressed by its allegations,” he said.
“This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously,” Schiff added. “I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately and believe that he should withdraw from the race,” he said.
Other Democrats echoed similar concerns. Matt Mahan, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, said the allegations must be taken seriously and called on Swalwell to step aside from the race. “If we don’t, we have no credibility asking anyone else to do the same,” Mahan said.
California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks described the allegations as “deeply disturbing” and emphasized that claims by accusers should be heard. He also said candidates must take responsibility if misconduct is substantiated and should evaluate their campaigns.
Labor organizations also responded to the reports
Labor organizations also responded to the reports. The California Teachers Association said it was suspending its support for Swalwell and would review the situation through its internal process.
Sen. Ruben Gallego, who had previously defended Swalwell, said he reversed his position after reading the reporting. “I’ve read the San Francisco Chronicle’s reporting, and I take it seriously,” Gallego said.
“What is described is indefensible,” he added. “Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed,” he said.
Additional reporting indicated that multiple women have accused Swalwell of misconduct, including sending unsolicited explicit messages or images. Some allegations were initially circulated on social media before being reported by major outlets.
Swalwell has denied all allegations, describing them as false and politically motivated. Neither he nor his attorney responded to additional requests for comment following the latest reports.
The situation continues to develop as political pressure grows and scrutiny intensifies around the allegations and their potential impact on the California governor’s race.
