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By Adeola Adeosun
Weekend Night Editor
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The Manhattan district attorney's office announced Saturday it has opened an investigation into Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell over an alleged 2024 sexual assault, as more than a dozen of his own staffers broke ranks to publicly support his accusers—and prominent Democrats continue to abandon his campaign for California governor.
Swalwell has denied all allegations, with his attorney, Elias Dabaie, saying in an email to Newsweek on Friday the accusations are "baseless" and appear to be "a coordinated effort to undermine his candidacy."
Why It Matters
The DA's announcement marks a significant legal escalation in an already catastrophic stretch for Swalwell's political future. With mail ballots set to go out next month ahead of California's June 2 primary, the allegations have thrown the state's wide-open gubernatorial race into chaos at a critical moment.
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Swalwell had been among the leading Democrats vying to succeed outgoing California Governor Gavin Newsom—and one of the frontrunners in a crowded field whose collapse could have broader implications for the party's chances in November.
What To Know
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her twice—once in 2019 while she worked for him, and again in 2024 following a charity gala in New York—saying she was too intoxicated to consent in both instances. She told the paper she did not go to the police because she feared she would not be believed. The Chronicle reviewed text messages related to the alleged 2024 incident and spoke to people she had confided in.
CNN separately reported the same woman's allegations, along with additional claims from several other women that Swalwell sent them inappropriate sexual messages.
The Manhattan DA's office confirmed Saturday it was investigating the alleged 2024 New York incident and urged anyone with knowledge to contact its special victims division.
More than a dozen unnamed staffers from Swalwell's congressional office and campaign released an unsigned statement Saturday, first reported by Politico, expressing support for the accusers and distancing themselves from the congressman.
"As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we're horrified by the recent reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle and by CNN," the statement read. "We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians." The staffers clarified that colleagues remaining during a transition period should not be seen as endorsing Swalwell, citing a responsibility to junior staff who cannot immediately forfeit their income and benefits.
At least four senior campaign aides departed Friday. Swalwell also suspended fundraising through ActBlue; a platform spokesperson confirmed the campaign itself deactivated the page. On Tuesday—just days before the allegations surfaced—Swalwell told reporters at a Sacramento campaign event that he had never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern.
Dabaie said in an email to Newsweek on Friday: "We learned from press outlets that there are multiple allegations made against the Congressman. We believe those allegations are baseless and continue to seek the truth. We also want to understand why these allegations would suddenly arise on the eve of an election against the frontrunner in what appears to be a coordinated effort to undermine his candidacy."
Democrats Urging Swalwell to Exit California Governor Race
A growing list of prominent Democrats has publicly urged Swalwell to withdraw from California’s governor’s race following allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct:
- Hakeem Jeffries – House Minority Leader
- Katherine Clark – House Minority Whip
- Pete Aguilar – House Democratic Caucus chair
- Nancy Pelosi – Former House speaker
- Adam Schiff – U.S. Senator from California
- Jimmy Gomez – Congressman from California and former campaign co‑chair
- Ruben Gallego – U.S. Senator from Arizona
- Katie Porter – Swalwell's gubernatorial rival
- Betty Yee – Swalwell's gubernatorial rival
- Tom Steyer – Swalwell's gubernatorial rival
- Adelita Grijalva –Arizona congresswoman
What People Are Saying
Swalwell 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. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”
Senior Democrats Jeffries, Aguilar and Clark said in a joint statement: "Following the incredibly disturbing sexual assault accusations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we call for a swift investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to be California’s next Governor. This is unacceptable of anyone—certainly not an elected official—and must be taken seriously."
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, said: "The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard. This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability. As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign."
Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California said in a post 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."
Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona said: "I regret having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information. I am equally as shocked and upset about what has transpired."
California congresswoman Katie Porter said the allegations against Swalwell are "horrifying", adding to the alleged victims: "We believe you and we stand with you."
Gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer said: "Speaking out is never easy, and her account must be taken seriously. At a moment like this, we must make sure that women are heard, and justice is pursued."
Donald Trump-endorsed Republican California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton wrote on X: "For all their endless lectures about gender equality and their 'values,' it’s obvious that today’s California Democratic Party doesn’t care about anything except its own power. That's why we will defeat them in November."
Arizona congresswoman Representative Adelita Grijalva, via X: "The allegations of sexual assault against Eric Swalwell are deeply disturbing and disqualifying. I am retracting my endorsement of his candidacy for Governor. I stand with all survivors of sexual assault."
What Happens Next
Swalwell said in his Friday night video he would spend the weekend with family and friends before sharing an update "very soon," leaving open whether he will exit the race.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
Update 4/11/26, 7:18 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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