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Rep. Eric Swalwell faces calls to resign, exit governor’s race after sexual assault allegations

April 11, 2026

East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell faced calls to resign and drop out of the California governor’s race where he’s been a leading contender after allegations surfaced Friday afternoon that he sexually assaulted a former staffer and three other women accused him of sexual misconduct.

According to reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, a woman who worked for Swalwell accused him of assaulting her in 2019 while he was her boss, and again in 2024 after she no longer worked for him. During both encounters, the woman said she was too intoxicated to consent. CNN also reported that three other women had accused him of misconduct, including sending them unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.

Swalwell, 45, denied the allegations Friday, saying in a statement that “they come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor.”

“For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women,” he said. “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.”

Immediately after the Chronicle report was published, Swalwell’s backers moved quickly to distance themselves from his campaign. The rapid backlash signaled how quickly support can erode in a high-stakes race when allegations involve a former subordinate.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a Democrat who represents parts of Los Angeles County and was serving as Swalwell’s campaign chair, said in a statement that he would step down from his role, saying he “cannot in good conscience remain in any role.”

The powerful California Teachers Association also revoked its endorsement of Swalwell, calling the allegations “incredibly disturbing and unacceptable.” The union said its board would be meeting soon to determine next steps.

Former Assemblymember Ian Calderon, who dropped out of the governor’s race in March to endorse Swalwell, said in a social media post that the allegations were “deeply disturbing and troubling” and urged him to suspend his campaign and resign from Congress.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former state Controller Betty Yee, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco — all candidates for governor — also called for Swalwell to drop out of the race.

Conservative commentator Steve Hilton, a leading Republican in the race alongside Bianco, also called for Swalwell to drop out of the race.

“To the survivor who risked everything to come forward — I believe you,” Mahan wrote in a social media post. “To the Democratic Party — you’d better hold him accountable. If we don’t, we have no credibility asking anyone else to do the same.”

Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, D-Cupertino, who was an early backer of Swalwell, said in a statement that he “cannot stand behind Congressman Swalwell’s campaign for governor in light of these allegations. These claims are serious and deserve to be treated with the utmost gravity, and I believe those seeking public office must be held to the highest standards of accountability and integrity.”

Like most politicians, Swalwell’s campaign touts him as devoted to his family, with photos of him with his arms around his wife, Brittany, and their three children. The former Alameda County prosecutor and Dublin City Council member has served in Congress since winning a seat in 2012.

According to the Chronicle’s report, the accuser, who is 17 years younger than Swalwell, said he first assaulted her in September 2019 after inviting her out for drinks. She said she became severely intoxicated and woke up naked in his hotel bed, feeling the effects of vaginal intercourse.

In April 2024, the woman said, Swalwell allegedly forced himself onto her after meeting for drinks following a charity gala honoring Swalwell. She texted a friend a few days later that she was “sexually assaulted” by Swalwell, according to the Chronicle.

The woman told the Chronicle that she became so inebriated during both encounters that she only remembers pieces of each night. She said she did not go to the authorities because she was afraid they would not believe her. The Chronicle did not identify the woman.

An assistant to an attorney identified by the Chronicle as representing the woman declined to confirm any information in the news report. In a phone call with Bay Area News Group, the assistant said the San Diego-based attorney, Gerald Singleton, wanted to keep the “focus on the conduct and the victims.”

An attorney identified by the Chronicle as representing Swalwell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Swalwell emerged last year as a leading contender to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, with at least one recent independent poll putting him at the front of the crowded field. The former Alameda County prosecutor has built a national profile in recent years as an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and served as an impeachment manager in the president’s second impeachment trial.

Orange County Register

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Rep. Eric Swalwell faces calls to resign, exit governor’s race after sexual assault allegations

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