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Tri-Valley Democrat Eric Swalwell is on the defensive and the future of his gubernatorial campaign is in doubt, following the release of a bombshell San Francisco Chronicle article Friday that reported sexual assault allegations by a former staffer.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” Swalwell (D-Livermore) wrote in a statement after the article’s publication. “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.”
The accusations include having sexual encounters with the unnamed former staffer while she worked for him and assaulting her while she was under the influence of alcohol on two occasions.
CNN released its own report Friday after the Chronicle, revealing misconduct accusations against Swalwell from three other women, including allegedly sending them unsolicited explicit messages or nude images.
Swalwell followed with a video statement on social media Friday night, responding to what he described as “anonymous allegations”, calling out the timing with the election weeks away and defending his public service record – while being noncommittal about his political future.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false,” Swalwell said during the minute-plus video. “They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have.”
“I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I am a saint. I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past. But those mistakes are between me and my wife, and to her I apologize deeply for putting her in this position,” he later said. “I also apologize to you if in any way you have doubted your support for me, but I think you know who I am.”
Swalwell concluded, “This weekend I am going to spend time with my family and friends, and I appreciate those who have reached out to me to show support. And I look forward to updating you very soon.”
While Swalwell maintains his innocence, key figures within his campaign, competitors in the governor’s race, and organizations that endorsed him began issuing statements Friday denouncing the alleged behaviors and withdrawing their support for the campaign.
His now ex-campaign chair, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), resigned from the role Friday and called on Swalwell to drop out of the race.
“My involvement in any campaign begins and ends with trust,” Gomez wrote in a statement posted to social media. “I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign, and I am stepping down from it effective immediately.”
He continued, “The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction or delay.”
A handful of other unnamed staffers also purportedly resigned Friday.
Additionally, the California Teachers Association suspended their endorsement for Swalwell, calling the allegations “incredibly disturbing and unacceptable.”
“We are immediately suspending our support. Our elected board will be meeting as soon as possible to follow our union’s democratic process to determine next steps,” the labor union wrote in its statement.
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) also withdrew her endorsement a few hours later. “The recent reporting on allegations of sexual assault by Congressman Swalwell are deeply disturbing and deserve to be taken seriously,” she said in a statement on social media.
“This is criminal behavior and is definitely disqualifying for a leader of our great state. With that in mind, I am withdrawing my endorsement of Eric Swalwell for Governor and he should end his campaign immediately. Californians deserve leaders they can trust.”
Two of Swalwell’s Democratic opponents for governor, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and former state controller Betty Yee both called for Swalwell to exit the governor’s race and to resign from Congress.
“The accusations outlined against @ericswalwell are sickening. He needs to withdraw from the governor’s race and resign from Congress immediately. Let the women speak,” Yee wrote on X, sharing a link to the Chronicle article.
Thurmond made a video addressing the public where he shared his disdain for the alleged actions of Swalwell and voiced support for women. Accompanying the nearly two-minute clip, he wrote, “After these horrible allegations, it’s time for Eric Swalwell to drop out of the Governor’s race and Congressman Eric Swalwell needs to resign from Congress.”
As the day progressed, comments continued to roll out.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a joint statement saying, “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,” they continued. “We commend the courageous women for sharing their experiences. In this and all circumstances, we must ensure that those who come forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment are heard and respected. All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable.”
Although Friday saw explosive reactions, the release of the Chronicle article is not the first time the topic of assault came up for Swalwell. Earlier in the same week, social media rumors swirled about alleged misconduct but at that time an accuser had not yet publicly come forward.
Editor’s note: Pleasanton Weekly editorial director Jeremy Walsh contributed to this story.
😂 You just got Leland Yee’d!