Rep. Eric Swalwell on Friday forcefully denied allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, saying in a public statement and a video posted to social media that the claims are false and politically motivated as his campaign for California governor faces growing backlash from fellow Democrats and Republican rivals.
“These allegations are false. They did not happen. They have never happened,” Swalwell said in a video posted late Friday on X, formerly Twitter. He acknowledged past “mistakes in judgment” but said those were personal matters involving his family and not criminal conduct.
“For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman — and have always protected women,” Swalwell said. He added that he plans to defend himself with facts and, if necessary, legal action.
The statements came after the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN published reports detailing accusations from a former staffer and three other women, triggering calls from top Democratic leaders for Swalwell to suspend his campaign and submit to an investigation.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a former staff member alleges Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two occasions, including once while she was intoxicated and unable to consent. The woman said the encounters occurred during and after her employment in Swalwell’s office. Her identity was not disclosed.
CNN separately reported that three additional women accused...
Rep. Eric Swalwell on Friday forcefully denied allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, saying in a public statement and a video posted to social media that the claims are false and politicall...