Investigation Launched
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation into sexual assault allegations against California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell. The investigation follows reports that a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions. The alleged first instance occurred in 2019.
Allegations Detailed
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the woman, who was not named, alleged Swalwell began pursuing her shortly after she was hired to work in his district office in Castro Valley in 2019. She claims he sent inappropriate photos via Snapchat, requested nude photos, and asked her to perform oral sex in a parking lot. The woman further alleges that after drinking with Swalwell in September 2019, she woke up naked in his hotel bed with little memory of the night. In 2024, she says she met Swalwell for drinks after a charity gala in New York, became intoxicated, and only remembers pushing him away and saying "no" while he forced himself on her. She alleges she woke up the next morning with vaginal bleeding and bruises.
Swalwell's Response
Swalwell has denied the allegations, calling them "flat false." He stated the allegations "did not happen, they never happened" in a video posted to social media. Swalwell also apologized to his wife for unspecified mistakes. He added that his focus is to be with his wife and children and defend their decades of service against these lies.
Calls for Withdrawal
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have called for Swalwell to end his gubernatorial campaign. Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, one of Swalwell's campaign chairs, rescinded his support, calling the information "shocking." Gomez stated that the story contains "the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable," and that Swalwell should leave the race now. Democratic Sens. Ruben Gallego and Adam Schiff, as well as Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu, also withdrew their endorsements. Rep. Adelita Grijalva also retracted her endorsement, stating she stands with all survivors of sexual assault. The California Teachers Association also withdrew their support.
Expulsion Efforts
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna plans to force a vote to expel Swalwell from Congress next week over the sexual assault and misconduct allegations. Luna wrote on X that she is filing a motion to expel Swalwell from Congress. Democrats are set to respond by moving to expel Rep. Tony Gonzales, who admitted to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, calling it a "lapse in judgment."
Porter's Connection
Katie Porter denies a direct relationship with Cheyenne Hunt, the influencer behind the allegations against Swalwell. Hunt is a self-described progressive activist with a law degree from the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where Porter is a longtime professor. Porter's campaign spokesperson, Peter Opitz, stated that Porter and Hunt "don't have a relationship to speak of."
Potential Fallout
If the expulsion votes succeed, it could trigger a chain reaction, according to Democratic leadership aides. This could involve members forcing expulsion votes against Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Cory Mills. Expulsion votes require a two-thirds majority to pass.
The allegations and subsequent investigation could impact not only Swalwell's political future but also the broader landscape of California politics, as other candidates vie for the governor's seat.
The sources indicate that House Democratic leaders called for an investigation, not the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.