Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing a widening set of sexual misconduct allegations from multiple women and his closest allies are calling for him to drop out of the race for California governor.
Three additional women came forward after a former staffer publicly accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her while she was intoxicated, according to reporting published Friday.
Ally Sammarco, a Democratic content creator, said she initially reached out to Swalwell on social media and was surprised when he responded.
“I truly never thought he would respond – I had like 1,000 followers at the time,” Sammarco said. “And he actually responded.”
I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations. This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously.
I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race. https://t.co/tdXgfl0OAt
— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) April 10, 2026
She said the interaction later turned explicit, alleging that Swalwell sent her nude messages after the two connected online.
Another woman said Swalwell kissed her and touched her leg without consent while they were seated together at a bar.
Swalwell denied the accusations and framed them as politically motivated.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the front-runner for governor,” he said.
“For nearly 20 years, I have served the public – as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. 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.”
The allegations followed a report that one of Swalwell’s former staffers accused him of sexually assaulting her on two separate occasions.
According to the report, the woman shared medical records related to testing for pregnancy and a sexually transmitted disease after the alleged assault. She also said she told family members and friends in 2024 shortly after she claims the incidents occurred.
Swalwell denied those allegations as well, and his attorneys sent the former staffer a cease-and-desist letter.
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The staffer also received a cease-and-desist letter prior to going public, according to reporting, as rumors circulated online about possible misconduct involving the congressman.
Those rumors included claims that staffers had been asked to sign nondisclosure agreements and that allegations had been known internally before becoming public. No accuser had publicly identified herself until the recent reports.
Democratic activist and former House candidate Cheyenne Hunt said she had been working with multiple women preparing to come forward.
“I got involved because the first victim who approached me is a close friend, but when I saw that there were others who’s experiences fit the same pattern of manipulation and abuse of power, I knew I couldn’t stay silent,” Hunt wrote.
“Targeting employees, interns, and fans. Acting as a mentor just to exploit that power. DMs and Snapchat messages. Allegations ranging from uncomfortable comments to potentially criminal conduct.”
A spokesperson for Swalwell pushed back forcefully on those claims.
“This false, outrageous rumor is being spread 27 days before an election begins by flailing opponents who have sadly teamed up with MAGA conspiracy theorists because they know Eric Swalwell is the frontrunner in this race,” the spokesperson said.
The controversy intensified after Swalwell canceled a scheduled town hall, with his campaign saying he was sick. The decision drew criticism from Democratic challenger Antonio Villaraigosa, who said Swalwell was avoiding questions.
Villaraigosa said the congressman was “hiding from voters and reporters” as the allegations surfaced.
Support from within the Democratic Party quickly began to erode following the report.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the allegations must be handled outside the campaign.
“The allegations are an extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Pelosi said. “As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
Sen. Adam Schiff said he was pulling his endorsement after reading the report.
“I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations,” Schiff posted. “This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously.”
“I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race,” he added.
Sen. Ruben Gallego also reversed his earlier defense of Swalwell.
I’ve read the San Francisco Chronicle’s reporting and I take it seriously.
What is described is indefensible. Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed.
I regret having come to his defense on social media prior…
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) April 10, 2026
“I’ve read the San Francisco Chronicle’s reporting and I take it seriously,” Gallego wrote. “What is described is indefensible. Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed.”
“I regret having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information,” he added. “I am withdrawing my endorsement of Congressman Swalwell, effective immediately.”
The California Teachers Association, one of the most powerful unions in the state, suspended its support.
“The allegations are incredibly disturbing and unacceptable against Rep. Swalwell,” the union said. “We are immediately suspending our support. Our elected board will be meeting as soon as possible to follow our union’s democratic process to determine next steps.”
Multiple candidates in the governor’s race also called for Swalwell to drop out.
Tom Steyer said the allegations disqualify him from holding office.
“My heart breaks for the women who were sexually abused by Eric Swalwell,” Steyer tweeted. “They were failed by a political system designed to silence victims and protect power.”
“Eric Swalwell should be nowhere near any position of power, much less be the governor of California. He must resign from Congress and drop out of the race immediately,” he added.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan urged the Democratic Party to take action.
“To the survivor who risked everything to come forward – I believe you,” Mahan said. “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,” he added. “To [Swalwell] – drop out.”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez stepped down from Swalwell’s campaign and called for him to leave the race.
“Today I learned shocking information about Eric Swalwell containing the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable,” Gomez tweeted.
“My involvement in any campaign begins and ends with trust. I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign.”
“The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay,” he added.
Former Rep. Katie Porter said she believes the accuser, though she did not explicitly call for Swalwell to withdraw.
“The allegations against Congressman Swalwell are horrifying,” Porter said. “I’m thinking of the courageous women who have come forward to share their stories. We believe you and we stand with you.”
The allegations have also drawn renewed attention to past controversies involving Swalwell, including scrutiny over his connections to a Chinese spy known as “Fang Fang” and prior questions surrounding his California residency.
