Rep. Eric Swalwell broke his silence on allegations of sexual misconduct Tuesday evening after a campaign event in Sacramento, saying social media reports of inappropriate behavior with female staffers are “false.”
“There has never been an allegation and there has never been a settlement,” said Swalwell, one of the leading Democrats in the race for California governor.
When pressed by reporters on whether he had ever had a sexual relationship with a staffer or intern, Swalwell responded: “No, no, no, no”
The allegations against the East Bay congressman — who is married and has three children — have largely been circulated on social media by a handful of influencers who have claimed that Swalwell engaged in inappropriate conduct with younger women connected to his office or campaign.
A spokesperson for Swalwell’s campaign issued a statement earlier Tuesday using many of the same talking points the congressman himself told reporters later in the evening.
Former congresswoman Katie Porter — one of Swalwell’s top Democratic rivals in the governor’s race — called attention to the “very troubling allegations” in an interview Tuesday on CNN.
“With regard to Rep. Swalwell, I have seen allegations coming from women staffers,” Porter said. “They are very, very troubling allegations. It’s those women’s stories to tell when they are ready, and I hope they feel safe and supported if they choose to do so.”
Speaking to reporters after a town hall that drew hundreds, Swalwell said...
Rep. Eric Swalwell broke his silence on allegations of sexual misconduct Tuesday evening after a campaign event in Sacramento, saying social media reports of inappropriate behavior with female staf...