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Congressman Eric Swalwell is currently facing allegations of sexual assault from several women, alongside a probe by the Manhattan District Attorney and pressure from leading Democrats to cease his campaign for governor of California.
In April 2026, four women, including a former employee who accuses Swalwell of rape, brought forth claims of sexual misconduct and harassment against him. Swalwell has firmly rejected all accusations.
“These claims are false and come just before an election against the leading candidate for governor,” Swalwell stated in a release. “For almost 20 years, I have dedicated myself to public service — as both a prosecutor and a congressman, and I have consistently defended women's rights.”
Representing California’s 14th congressional district as a Democratic congressman, Swalwell was the leading contender in the 2026 California gubernatorial race until these allegations emerged.
Continue reading to discover more about the controversy and the ensuing investigation:
What Are the Allegations Against Eric Swalwell?
One former staff member of Eric Swalwell, hired at the age of 21, alleged that he made romantic advances toward her during her time at his district office in Castro Valley, California, in 2019. She accused him of contacting her through Snapchat, sending her explicit photographs, and soliciting nude images in return. Additionally, she stated that Swalwell attempted to kiss her in her vehicle and later requested oral sex from her.
The woman further claimed that Swalwell invited her out for drinks in September 2019, during which she allegedly “blacked out” and awoke naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, subsequently realizing she had experienced vaginal intercourse.
“I kept trying to convince myself it was my fault: I should not have reached out to him, I should have left, I should have done something differently,” an anonymous alleged victim told CNN in April 2026. “However, Eric shouldn’t have raped me.”
Another accuser, Ally Sammarco, stated that Swalwell proposed to “share her resume” with other congressional offices but subsequently sent her “very inappropriate” messages via Snapchat. Moreover, two additional women have alleged sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact by the congressman. All women, except for Sammarco, chose to remain unnamed out of fear of retaliation.
Eric Swalwell’s Response and Apology to His Spouse
In a video posted on social media, Eric Swalwell responded to the accusations while also extending an apology to his wife, Brittany Watts.
“I’m not suggesting that I am perfect or a saint. I have certainly made errors in judgment in my past,” he stated in a social media video in April 2026. “These errors are personal matters between me and my wife. To her, I sincerely apologize for placing her in this situation.”
Watts, who has three children with Swalwell, has not made any public comments regarding the scandal.
Response from Ally Sammarco’s Husband
Adam Parkhomenko, the husband of alleged victim Ally Sammarco, directly responded to Swalwell’s denial video in April 2026.
“My wife’s name is Ally Sammarco. It’s clear you are aware of that, but she isn’t referred to as anonymous,” Parkhomenko, a Democratic strategist and former DNC National Field Director, shared on X in April 2026. “She also spoke publicly to CNN in the hopes that this experience might prevent it from happening to other women and potentially encourage them to come forward.”
In a follow-up statement, Parkhomenko remarked, “I want to emphasize that if Eric Swalwell and his legal representative think that any comments made by my wife and me are false, he should take immediate legal action against us.”
Democrats Urge Eric Swalwell to Withdraw from Governor’s Race
Notable figures within the Democratic Party responded to the misconduct controversy surrounding Eric Swalwell in April 20226.
“This very delicate issue requires an appropriate investigation characterized by complete transparency and accountability,” Nancy Pelosi articulated in a statement. “As I have conveyed to Congressman Swalwell, it is evident that this process is best undertaken outside the context of a gubernatorial campaign.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, issued a collective statement. They urged Swalwell to “cease his campaign for the position of California’s next governor without delay.”
Adam Gray, a California Democrat who co-chaired Swalwell’s campaign, described the allegations as “deeply disturbing” and retracted his endorsement of the congressman’s bid for governor.
Manhattan DA Initiates Investigation
On April 11, 2026, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office commenced an investigation into Eric Swalwell.
“We encourage survivors and anyone who has information regarding these claims to reach out to our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,” the DA’s office stated to CNN. “Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are prepared to assist you in a trauma-informed manner that centers on the survivor's experience.”
Us Weekly contacted Swalwell’s communications director for insights.
Congressman Eric Swalwell’s Staff ‘Appalled’ by Sexual Misconduct Accusations
Following the initiation of the investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office regarding Congressman Eric Swalwell’s alleged misconduct, staff members from his 14th congressional district and the “Eric Swalwell for Governor 2026” campaign issued a joint statement denouncing him.
“As team leaders for Eric Swalwell, we are appalled by the recent coverage in the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN,” they expressed. “We stand alongside our former colleague and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them as well. The conduct described in these reports is unacceptable and falls far short of the standards expected of those in public service, eroding the trust of all Californians.”
The staff addressed the challenges many faced in resigning from their positions with Swalwell during the ongoing scandal.
“We are aware that we guide teams requiring direction and stability at this moment, more than ever before. Our priority is to assist our colleagues during these difficult times,” they expressed in a unified statement. “Any choice made by staff to continue in their positions temporarily should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Eric Swalwell. “We understand that not all individuals — especially our junior staff — can instantly relinquish their salary and benefits without facing considerable personal risks or repercussions. Our obligation at this point is towards them.”
Their statement ended with, “We possess a greater understanding than he does of our responsibilities to those we represent and to the constituents of California’s 14th Congressional District. The remaining staff members are committed solely to ensuring that we fulfill as many of those responsibilities as we can.”
Eric Swalwell Halts Gubernatorial Campaign
Shortly after the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office initiated its investigation, Swalwell declared on X that he was pausing his campaign.
“I am halting my campaign for Governor,” the politician stated. “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I sincerely apologize for the poor decisions I’ve made in the past. I am determined to confront the serious false accusations that have been leveled against me — but that battle belongs to me alone, not to the campaign.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/eric-swalwells-allegations-and-investigation-explained/
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