California Rep. Eric Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations, Loses Support in Governor Race

Swalwell faced escalating calls to drop out after the San Francisco Chronicle published allegations from a former staffer.

Swalwell denied the accusations, calling them false and coming on the eve of an election.

ABC News

The woman said she woke up naked in his hotel bed after a night of heavy drinking.

Five years later, she said he forced himself on her while she was inebriated at a charity gala.

CNN interviewed three other women who accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct.

Prominent Democrats including Jeffries, Gomez, Schiff, and Pelosi called on Swalwell to end his campaign.

The former staffer said Swalwell messaged her on Snapchat, sending images of his genitals.

She described incidents where he tried to kiss her and asked her to perform oral sex.

ABC7 San Francisco

She became so intoxicated she does not remember the rest of the night.

She woke up naked in Swalwell's hotel bed and could feel the effect of vaginal intercourse.

Five years later, she was allegedly assaulted again at a charity gala.

She texted a friend that she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell.

The political fallout was swift and severe.

“Allies yank support for Swalwell’s California governor run after sexual assault allegations SACRAMENTO, Calif”

AP News

Rep. Jimmy Gomez resigned from the campaign.

Sen. Ruben Gallego withdrew his endorsement.

Multiple Democratic rivals called on Swalwell to drop out.

The California Teachers Association suspended its support.

At least four senior campaign staffers resigned.

Swalwell issued a video statement saying the allegations were flat false.

He acknowledged making mistakes in judgment but said those were between him and his wife.

BBC

He announced plans to defend himself with legal action.

The Chronicle reported that Swalwell's attorney sent cease-and-desist letters.

The exodus of support left Swalwell's campaign teetering on collapse.