Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat running for California governor, has denied an online allegation that interns were required to sign nondisclosure agreements to conceal inappropriate conduct. No accusers have publicly come forward, and major news outlets have not independently confirmed the claims.
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is facing renewed scrutiny in California’s crowded race for governor after social media posts circulated an unverified allegation that interns were required to sign nondisclosure agreements tied to claims of inappropriate conduct.
The allegation spread after Cheyenne Hunt, executive director of the progressive group Gen-Z for Change, posted an Instagram video displaying what appeared to be a text message asserting that Swalwell had relationships with interns and required NDAs. Democratic strategist Bhavik Lathia also promoted the claim on X, saying he had heard it from a “trusted friend” and arguing Swalwell should not be the party’s nominee.
Swalwell’s campaign rejected the allegation. In a statement reported by Politico, campaign spokesperson Micah Beasley called it a “false, outrageous rumor” and said it was being pushed by political opponents.
As of the time the allegation began circulating widely this week, no one has publicly identified themselves as an accuser, and no corroborating documentation has been reported by major news organizations.
The episode comes as the contest to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom heats up ahead of the June 2, 2026, top-two primary. Newsom is barred by term limits from seeking another term. In the Republican field, President Donald Trump endorsed conservative commentator Steve Hilton on Truth Social late Sunday, a move that drew broad coverage and immediately reshaped a volatile GOP contest.
Swalwell, who previously ran for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, has long been a national political figure and has faced periodic scrutiny over his past contacts with a suspected Chinese operative, though no criminal charges were brought and Swalwell has said he cooperated with authorities. He is one of several high-profile Democrats seeking the governorship, including billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer.
