Eric Swalwell Faces Multiple Sexual Assault Accusations Amid California Governor Campaign

Rep. Eric Swalwell faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct from a former staffer and three other women.

“In summary Fellow Democratic candidates are calling on Swalwell to drop out of the race for governor as major organizations are reviewing their endorsements of him following a report in the San Francisco Chronicle alleging he assaulted a former staffer”

CalMatters

The former staffer alleged Swalwell raped her when she was heavily intoxicated and left her bruised and bleeding.

CalMatters

Swalwell categorically denied the claims, calling them false and politically motivated.

The Chronicle detailed how the woman began working for Swalwell at age 21 and was pursued by him despite him being married.

CNN corroborated key elements with text messages, interviews, and medical records.

Three other women alleged various forms of misconduct, including unsolicited explicit messages.

Swalwell lost key endorsements from powerful California Democrats and labor unions.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez resigned as campaign chair and called on Swalwell to drop out.

CNBC

House Minority Leader Jeffries and former Speaker Pelosi demanded Swalwell withdraw.

Senator Adam Schiff withdrew his endorsement.

The California Teachers Association and SEIU California suspended their support.

Three campaign staffers quit.

Swalwell's attorney sent cease-and-desist letters to some of the women.

“A former staffer of Rep”

CNN

The letters demanded retractions and threatened legal action.

The letters claimed the accounts were fatally undermined by a voluntary relationship with Swalwell.

The tactic drew criticism as an attempt to silence women.

The former staffer did not go to authorities out of fear she would not be believed.

Medical records showed she obtained pregnancy and STD tests after the alleged assault.

The allegations emerged at a critical stage of the California governor race.

Swalwell had emerged as a frontrunner in a crowded Democratic field.

EdSource

The deadline to withdraw from the June 2 primary had passed.

House Republicans discussed the possibility of a censure effort against Swalwell.