Eric Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations From Former Staffer Amid California Governor Race

Rep. Eric Swalwell faced explosive allegations of sexual assault from a former staffer who accused him of raping her when she was heavily intoxicated.

The woman detailed a pattern of escalating sexual misconduct including unsolicited explicit messages, nude photos, and two nonconsensual sexual encounters.

She told CNN, I was pushing him off of me, saying no. He didn't stop.

The Chronicle reviewed texts she sent to a friend three days later in which she wrote she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell.

House Democratic leadership called for a swift investigation and several of Swalwell's top campaign backers withdrew their support.

Swalwell vehemently denied the allegations, calling them false and threatening legal action.

The former staffer described how Swalwell began pursuing her shortly after she was hired at age 21.

She alleged he sent inappropriate photos, requested nude photos, and asked her to perform oral sex in a parking lot.

ABC News

In 2019, she woke up naked in Swalwell's hotel bed with little recollection of the night.

Five years later, she became intoxicated again and alleges he forced himself on her despite her telling him no.

She woke up with vaginal bleeding and bruises.

Medical records show she obtained pregnancy and STD tests a week after the incident.

His attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter accusing her of making false statements.

House Democratic leadership called for Swalwell to end his campaign.

Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez also called on him to drop out.

Democratic Sens. Ruben Gallego and Adam Schiff withdrew their endorsements.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the matter must be investigated with full transparency and accountability.

Powerful labor unions including the California Teachers Association suspended support.

Swalwell said he would fight the allegations with everything that I have.

Swalwell's campaign imploded in hours.

His two campaign chairs resigned.

AP News

Schiff and Gallego withdrew endorsements.

Three campaign employees quit.

The California Federation of Labor Unions said it was acting urgently.

Swalwell had been polling near the top of the Democratic field.

His attorney alleged political machinations within the Democratic Party.