Eric Swalwell Denies Sexual Assault Allegations Amid Calls from Democrats to Withdraw from California Gubernatorial Race

By Uwa Ede-Osifo

*Published: 2026-04-11T01:37:51.000Z; Updated with developments as of April 13, 2026*

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), a candidate in the race for California governor, denied allegations of sexual assault in a video statement on Friday. The denial came as several Democratic leaders, rivals and former supporters called for him to exit the race. Swalwell suspended his campaign on April 13, 2026, citing the allegations and related pressure.

In the video, posted on his Instagram account and his official congressional account on X (formerly Twitter), Swalwell stated: “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 I have.” He added: “I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint. I have certainly made mistakes in judgement in my past. But those mistakes are between me and my wife and to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position. I also apologize to you if in any way, you have doubted your support for me. But I think you know who I am.”

Swalwell indicated plans to continue at the time, saying: “This weekend, I’m going to spend time with my family and friends, and I appreciate those who have reached out to me to show support, and I look forward to updating you very soon.” However, two days later, he announced his withdrawal from the Democratic primary to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

Earlier on Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported an account from an unnamed woman who alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two occasions. The woman stated she had been a former employee of Swalwell, who has represented California's 14th Congressional District in the East Bay since 2013. She described sexual encounters with Swalwell while he was her supervisor and claimed one incident in 2024 occurred when she was too intoxicated to consent. The Chronicle reported that it reviewed text messages related to the alleged 2024 incident and spoke with friends whom the woman had informed about it. The Guardian has not independently verified the allegations.

The woman also provided her account to CNN. CNN reported that three other women alleged sexual misconduct by Swalwell in separate interviews. Lawyers for Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign sent cease-and-desist letters to two of those women, describing their accounts as “false” and demanding retractions, according to CNN.

Swalwell’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment from the Guardian.

The reports followed social media posts earlier in the week claiming that multiple women planned to share accounts of inappropriate behavior by Swalwell. At a town hall in Sacramento, Swalwell described those online claims as “false” and suggested they were posted to disrupt his campaign.

Swalwell, who has emphasized issues such as affordability and support for working-class voters, had recently polled as a leading contender in the crowded Democratic primary field. He has frequently criticized former President Donald Trump on cable news programs and presented himself as a potential gubernatorial opponent to Trump.

The allegations prompted immediate responses from Democratic figures. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called on Swalwell to withdraw from the race. Three campaign staffers, including former adviser Courtni Pugh, confirmed to Politico that they had left the campaign.

Gov. Newsom stated: “As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.”

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a prominent early endorser, rescinded his support and urged Swalwell to exit the race.

Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), a friend of Swalwell who had defended him against earlier online claims, withdrew his endorsement. Gallego said: “What is described is indefensible. Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed.” He added that he regretted defending Swalwell “prior to knowing all the information.”

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement: “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.”

Swalwell’s Democratic primary opponents also reacted. Former California Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa stated: “Eric Swalwell’s attempt to silence victims to save his campaign for governor – a campaign he was unfit to enter given these allegations – is a shameful disgrace to our democracy.”

Former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) wrote on X: “We believe you and we stand with you,” expressing support for the women.

Republican candidate Steve Hilton commented on X: “For all their endless lectures about gender equality and their ‘values’ it’s obvious that today’s California Democratic Party doesn’t care about anything except its own power.” Hilton, who received an endorsement from Trump, made the remark in the context of the allegations.

Swalwell’s decision to drop out followed these developments, which unfolded rapidly over the weekend. The campaign suspension came amid ongoing scrutiny of the allegations, though no formal charges have been filed. Swalwell has maintained that the claims are untrue.

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