A former staffer for Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) accused him of sexual assault Friday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Rumors have circulated on social media for days that the congressman, who is running for governor of California, had made staffers sign NDAs and that allegations of misconduct existed. No specific accuser had come forward until now.
The Chronicle reported that the staffer was sexually assaulted on two different occasions where she was unable to consent due to intoxication.
On Thursday, the staffer was sent a cease-and-desist letter by Swalwell’s attorneys, according to the Chronicle.
The report alleges that the incidents happened in September 2019 and again in April 2024, and that the member sent her images of his genitalia.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” the congressman told the outlet. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”
On Thursday, Swalwell canceled a town hall, with his campaign saying he was sick. However, the decision to back out of the event garnered sharp criticism, including from Democratic challenger Antonio Villaraigosa, who said he is “hiding from voters and reporters.”
The congressman is the leading Democratic candidate in multiple primary polls.
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