Senior staffers from Rep. Eric Swalwell's congressional office and California gubernatorial campaign resigned en masse on Saturday, expressing horror over sexual misconduct allegations against him that first surfaced Friday. The resignations follow reports of rape accusations and other misconduct, prompting a Manhattan DA inquiry and demands from top Democrats for Swalwell to end his campaign.
Building on Friday's reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing accusations from four women—including a former staffer's claim of rape in 2019 and 2024, unwanted advances, and explicit messages—senior staff from Rep. Eric Swalwell's (D-CA) teams issued a joint statement on Saturday. 'As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we’re horrified by the recent reporting... The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent,' they wrote, standing with accusers while noting some junior staff may remain to serve constituents in California's 14th District.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office opened an inquiry, urging survivors to contact its Special Victims Division. A video surfaced on social media, purportedly showing Swalwell forcibly kissing a woman in his home; its authenticity is unverified.
Swalwell denied all claims in a Friday video: 'These allegations of sexual assault are flat false.' His attorney called them a 'coordinated effort.'
Political pressure intensified: House Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries, Pete Aguilar, and Katherine Clark demanded he end his gubernatorial bid. Rival Katie Porter called for his congressional resignation. Sen. Adam Schiff withdrew endorsement; Rep. Anna Paulina Luna plans an expulsion motion. Swalwell's endorsements page was removed after backers pulled support.
