CNN Reports Allegations of Sexual Misconduct by Rep. Eric Swalwell from Four Women

By Staff Reporter

*Published: April 10, 2026*

A CNN investigation published on April 10, 2026, detailed allegations of sexual misconduct against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), a candidate for California governor, from four women. One of the women is a former staffer whose claims were previously reported by the San Francisco Chronicle earlier that day. Swalwell has categorically denied all allegations, describing them as "absolutely false" and "fabricated." His campaign stated that he intends to "fight them."

The San Francisco Chronicle report focused on the former staffer's account of two incidents in which she alleged Swalwell had sex with her while she was too intoxicated to consent. CNN's report expanded on that claim and included accounts from three additional women. None of the allegations has resulted in criminal charges against Swalwell, and as of the publication date, the House Ethics Committee had not issued any findings related to these matters. An Ethics Committee investigation was initiated following Swalwell's resignation from Congress on April 14, 2026—four days after the CNN report—but no public conclusions were available at that time.

The primary accuser, a former staffer in Swalwell's office, alleged that in 2024—after she had left his employment—Swalwell raped her while she was heavily intoxicated. She told CNN: "I was pushing him off of me, saying no. He didn’t stop." She claimed the encounter left her bruised and bleeding. Swalwell strongly denies this allegation.

CNN reported that in February 2026, as Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign gained momentum, Swalwell and his campaign manager texted the woman, offering her a position with the campaign. Screenshots provided to CNN showed the messages, which she declined. Swalwell's campaign has not publicly commented on the timing of this outreach in relation to her later allegations.

A second woman, who connected with Swalwell online through shared interest in Democratic politics, described meeting him in person. She said that earlier in the evening at a bar, Swalwell kissed her and touched her leg without consent. Later, she ended up extremely intoxicated in his hotel room with little memory of what occurred there. A family member and two friends confirmed to CNN that she had told them about the incident the previous year. CNN reviewed messages between the woman and Swalwell, including a photo he sent that matched footage of him during a CNN interview in her city on the night they met.

The report also included claims from two other women who alleged that Swalwell sent them unsolicited nude photos via Snapchat, a platform where messages automatically delete. One of these women, identified as Ally Sammarco, an influencer, provided screenshots to CNN. She said their interactions began in September 2021 with frequent messaging. Sammarco alleged that Swalwell sent selfies of himself in bed or shirtless, as well as photos of his penis. She described late-night texts where he asked personal questions, sent a photo of himself drinking wine at home, and mused about pouring a "nightcap," calling her a "bad angel tempting me" when she responded playfully. Sammarco, who was 24 at the time, said Swalwell often texted while drinking, commenting on her appearance and insinuating they should meet for sex. On April 10, 2026, Sammarco posted on X (formerly Twitter) linking to the CNN article.

CNN noted that the women described a pattern in which Swalwell allegedly used Snapchat to engage in sexually explicit conversations that would delete automatically. The network reviewed screenshots and messages from some of the women but did not present independent corroboration beyond those materials and third-party confirmations for one account.

Swalwell's campaign responded to CNN, reiterating that the allegations are untrue. In a video statement, the congressman said he would contest them vigorously. No further details on his rebuttal to specific claims were provided in the CNN report.

The allegations have drawn political reactions amid Swalwell's campaign for governor. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, another Democratic candidate, posted on X: "To the survivor who risked everything to come forward – I believe you. To the Democratic Party – you’d better hold him accountable. If we don’t, we have no credibility asking anyone else to do the same. To @ericswalwell – drop out." Earlier reports indicated additional senators and members of Congress called for Swalwell to withdraw from the race, according to updates from the Hot Air blog, which first covered the Chronicle story.

Swalwell, a longtime Democratic congressman, announced his candidacy for California governor as he prepared to leave Congress. The timing of these allegations coincides with increased media scrutiny of his campaign. As of April 10, 2026, no lawsuits or formal complaints had been filed in connection with the claims, and Swalwell remained in the race.

The CNN report builds on the Chronicle's earlier coverage, which focused solely on the former staffer's allegations of non-consensual sex due to intoxication. Both outlets emphasized the women's accounts while noting Swalwell's denials. Further developments, including any House Ethics Committee actions post-resignation, could provide additional context.

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