Former Staffer Alleges Assault by Eric Swalwell Amidst Campaign Turmoil

The political aspirations of California Representative Eric Swalwell are facing a significant hurdle as he contends with allegations of sexual misconduct. A former aide has come forward, accusing Swalwell of sexually assaulting her twice during her tenure. This revelation has sent shockwaves through his campaign for the governorship, causing a ripple effect among his team.

The allegations, as detailed in a report by The San Francisco Chronicle, involve claims from a woman who served under Swalwell for two years. She asserts that the encounters occurred while she was incapacitated due to intoxication and unable to provide consent. These serious accusations have placed Swalwell, a prominent Democratic figure in the gubernatorial race, under intense scrutiny.

In response to these claims, Swalwell has categorically denied any wrongdoing. However, the ramifications of the allegations are already manifesting within his campaign infrastructure. According to Politico’s report, at least four key staff members have abruptly resigned, signaling potential instability and unrest within his team as they grapple with the unfolding controversy.

Swalwell issued a blanket denial. 

Politico then reported that at least four staffers on Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign have abruptly departed. 

Rumors have swirled online for days that something discrediting about Swalwell was about to be exposed. 

It comes as Swalwell appeared to be pushing through a crowded field of Democrats ahead of California’s nonpartisan June 2 primary.

Swalwell suggested the allegations were timed to tank his rising campaign.

Representative Eric Swalwell, who is running for California governor, was accused of sexually assaulting a former staffer twice when she was too intoxicated to give consent. He’s issued a blanket denial 

‘These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,’ he said in a statement. ‘For nearly 20 years, I have served the public – as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.’

‘I will defend myself with the facts and, where necessary, bring legal action,’ he continued. ‘My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.’ 

The Democratic congressman has been married to Brittany Ann Watts since 2016 and the couple has three children. 

Before the sexual assault allegations came out, Swalwell had appeared to be benefiting politically from another salacious story about him in the news. 

Late last month, FBI Director Kash Patel was exposed for trying to resurrect an investigation into a suspected Chinese spy who laid a ‘honey trap’ and targeted Swalwell more than a decade ago.

Patel was trying to have documents released about the investigation. 

The Washington Post first reported on the scheme, noting how highly unusual it would be for the FBI to release files from an investigation that didn’t result in charges. 

There was no evidence of wrongdoing on Swalwell’s part. 

California gubernatorial candidate, Representative Eric Swalwell, lost several members of his staff as allegations of sexual impropriety were being revealed to the public on Friday

What Swalwell had done is criticize President Donald Trump and serve as an impeachment manager amid the President’s second impeachment, which revolved around his role in the January 6 Capitol attack.   

The Democratic congressman was also listed as one of Patel’s ‘government gangsters’ in the FBI Director’s 2023 book. 

Once Swalwell’s team caught wind of the story, his legal people demanded that the FBI halt any release of the documents and threatened to pursue legal action if the bureau didn’t agree to do so, the Post said. 

Appearing to be targeted by Trump’s FBI chief gave Swalwell clout with some of California’s Democratic voters. 

The latest allegations, however, could tank his campaign. 

Politico tracked that members of Swalwell’s senior leadership team are already out the door including Courtni Pugh, a strategic adviser who helped the Democrat get a boost among labor groups. 

On Thursday night, Swalwell scrapped a town hall event with Representative Raul Ruiz, blaming illness.

Bracing for allegations to surface, his Democratic opponents had already started attacking the congressman, suggesting he’s a hypocrite for slamming men like Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, whose confirmation was nearly derailed by sexual misconduct allegations. 

Several senators withdrew their support of Swalwell following the allegations against him 

Others have withdrawn their endorsements and support of Swalwell just months ahead of the gubernatorial primary in June, including multiple senators. 

‘I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations,’ California Senator Adam Schiff wrote on X. 

‘This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously. I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race.’

‘I’ve read the San Francisco Chronicle’s reporting and I take it seriously. What is described is indefensible,’ Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego said. 

‘Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed.’

Representative Ro Khanna called for ‘appropriate law enforcement investigations and House ethics investigations.’ Fellow candidate Tom Steyer said Swalwell ‘should be nowhere near any position of power.’

Representative Jimmy Gomez announced he was ‘stepping down’ from Swalwell’s campaign. 

‘The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction or delay,’ he said. 

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called on Swalwell via social media to ‘withdraw from the governor’s race and immediately resign from Congress.’

The California Teachers’ Association retracted its endorsements as the California Federation of Labor Unions said it was ‘acting urgently’ to determine ‘next steps.’