Democratic Congressman and California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell released a video to X on Friday night, confronting sexual assault and misconduct allegations—which he has repeatedly denied—and did so again in his post.
Swalwell’s bid for California governor faces escalating pressure as senior aides resigned, major Democratic figures withdrew endorsements, current Democratic leadership called for him to end his campaign and Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert threatened to censure him.
Why It Matters
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday on allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer—accusations that Swalwell vehemently denies.
According to the Chronicle’s report, a former staffer of Swalwell accused him of sexual assaulting her while she was too intoxicated to consent. CNN also reported four women accusing him of sexual misconduct.
An email sent to Newsweek by Swalwell’s lawyer, Elias Dabaie, on Friday evening said, “We learned from press outlets that there are multiple allegations made against the Congressman.
“We believe those allegations are baseless and continue to seek the truth. We also want to understand why these allegations would suddenly arise on the eve on [sic] an election against the frontrunner in what appears to be a coordinated effort to undermine his candidacy.”
What To Know
Swalwell released the video on X at 11:01 p.m. ET.
In the video, the congressman says, “A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations. And I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly. These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They’re absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have. They also come on the eve of an election where I have been the front-runner candidate for governor in California.
“I do not suggest to you in any way that I’m perfect or that I’m a saint. I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position. I also apologize to you if in any way you have doubted your support for me. But I think you know who I am. For over 20 years, I have served the public. As a city councilman, as a member of Congress and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims, particularly on behalf of sexual assault victims. That’s who I am and have always been. This weekend, I’m gonna spend time with my family and friends. And I appreciate those who have reached out to me to show support. And I look forward to updating you very soon.”
Chad Bianco, Riverside County sheriff and California Republican gubernatorial candidate, reacted to the video on X, saying, “This man will never be governor. He shouldn’t be in Congress either.”
This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.
