NEW: Eric Swalwell Loses Several High-Profile Endorsements, Staffers Over Bombshell Allegations

U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) has lost several high-profile endorsements and senior campaign staffers following the emergence of bombshell sexual assault allegations on the eve of the state’s gubernatorial primary.

The primary allegation came from a woman who worked in Swalwell’s district office in Castro Valley starting in 2019 at age 21. According to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle, she stated that Swalwell pursued her shortly after she was hired and immediately began to send lewd photos through the messaging app Snapchat.

She further alleged that Swalwell requested photos from her as well. She further alleged specific incidents, including an attempt to kiss her in her car after a donor event, an occasion in which he exposed himself and requested oral sex in a parking lot (which she said occurred), and two instances of sexual assault when she was severely intoxicated and unable to consent.

One occurred in September 2019 after drinks at a restaurant in Pleasanton, when she blacked out and awoke naked in his hotel room

The second took place in April 2024 after a charity gala, when she alleged he forced himself on her despite her saying “No.” She reported texting a friend about the 2024 incident and obtaining pregnancy and STD tests afterward. She did not report the incidents at the time.

Washington, DC – July 28, 2022: Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) speaks at a news conference at the U.S Capital calling for the immediate release of Asim Khafoor who was arrested and jailed in the UAE.

Swalwell has denied the allegations and indicated that he will remain in the gubernatorial race, though his campaign appears to be spiraling in the immediate hours after the story broke. “I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations. 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,” Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced in a social media post.

“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,” said former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Several additional lawmakers, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and others have either condemned Swalwell or withdrawn their respective endorsements entirely.

Swalwell has also lost endorsements from a number of prominent organizations in the Golden State, including the California Teachers Association. “The allegations are incredibly disturbing and unacceptable against Rep. Swalwell. We are immediately suspending our support,” the union said in a statement.

Other withdrawals or pauses came from California Representatives Doris Matsui, Jimmy Gomez, and Ro Khanna, as well as former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. SEIU California also suspended its support.

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