Eric Swalwell campaign for Governor unravels after SA allegations and staff exodus

Rep. Eric Swalwell is now facing accusations of sexual assault and misconduct from four different women. In the past day, videos from some of the accusers have begun circulating. Swalwell has released a video denying all allegations, but his bid to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom in California may already be over before it truly began.

According to Politico, a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her while she was too intoxicated to consent. Three other women have also accused the congressman of making unwanted sexual advances, including sending explicit messages and photos.

For months, Swalwell had been positioning himself as a leading voice pushing for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, calling out figures in positions of power and criticizing Donald Trump for dragging his feet on the issue. That stance had strengthened his profile ahead of the California gubernatorial race.

Now, however, he’s facing mounting criticism over what many are calling hypocrisy. Shortly after the story broke, top staffers began leaving his campaign. A former employee also alleged that staff had been required to sign confidentiality and non-disparagement agreements — despite Swalwell previously claiming no one on his team had ever signed NDAs.

In response, Swalwell issued a statement saying, “A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations, and I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly. These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have.” On the same day, however, two viral videos surfaced on X appearing to show Swalwell fondling an unidentified woman.

The fallout was immediate. Two of his campaign co-chairs, Reps. Adam Gray and Jimmy Gomez, called on him to step down from the race. Gomez stated, “My involvement in any campaign begins and ends with trust. I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign, and I am stepping down from it effective immediately.”

Support quickly eroded beyond his campaign. Senators Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego withdrew their endorsements, while Nancy Pelosi joined calls for an investigation into the allegations. Major organizations, including the California Medical Association and the California Teachers Association, also pulled their support.

Calling Swalwell’s campaign an implosion may be an understatement, but he is reportedly preparing to fight the allegations. His attorney, Elias Dabaie, said, “We learned from press outlets that there are multiple allegations made against the Congressman. We believe those allegations are baseless and continue to seek the truth. We also want to understand why these allegations would suddenly arise on the eve of an election against the frontrunner, in what appears to be a coordinated effort to undermine his candidacy.”

At a time like this, internal accountability is critical for Democrats. If there’s one thing they can offer voters heading into the midterms, it’s a commitment not to overlook alleged misconduct among their own leaders. With the wave of resignations and withdrawn endorsements, it appears many within the party recognize that.