Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, who is currently running for California governor, is denying accusations made by a former staffer to the San Francisco Chronicle that he sexually assaulted her -- as he faces growing calls from Democrats that he end his campaign.

"These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They're absolutely false," Swalwell said in a video posted to social media late Friday evening. "They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.

Swalwell did not address the allegations in detail in the video statement.

"I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I am a saint," he said. "I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past. But those mistakes are between me and my wife and to her I apologize deeply for putting her in this position."

Swalwell said the allegations "come on the eve of an election where I have been the frontrunner candidate" and cited his career as a public servant and prosecutor who went to court for sexual assault victims, he said.

Following the newspaper's reporting, some of Swalwell's backers have announced they are pulling support for his gubernatorial bid and several high-profile Democratic leaders have also called on Swalwell to end his campaign.

The top three House Democrats including Leader Hakeem Jeffries call on Rep. Swalwell to "immediately" drop his bid for governor.

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