Multiple women accused Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), one of the top contenders to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, of sexual assault and misconduct in two bombshell reports Friday.
The San Francisco Chronicle was the first to report on allegations from a former female staffer who said Swalwell engaged in sexual encounters with her while he was her boss and that, on two occasions, he sexually assaulted her while she was too drunk to consent.
The unnamed woman said Swalwell pursued her just weeks after she was hired to work in one of his California offices in 2019, when she was 21, and that he messaged her pictures of his genitals on Snapchat and sought nude photos of her in return.
Shortly after the Chronicle’s story dropped, CNN published extremely detailed accusations from three more women who’d connected with Swalwell on social media. The network also detailed accusations from a fourth woman, a former staffer, who appears to be the same accuser featured in the Chronicle’s reporting.
The allegations rocked Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign, with strategic adviser Courtni Pugh resigning, along with at least four other departures, Politico reports. The California Teachers Association and other key supporters also said they were withdrawing their endorsements.
