California Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct from a former aide just weeks before the state’s gubernatorial primary election on June 2, according to multiple reports. The former staffer claimed that she had two non-consensual sexual encounters with Swalwell while working for him and being intoxicated. These claims have prompted several staffers to leave his campaign.
Key Takeaways
California gubernatorial candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell faces allegations of sexual misconduct from former staffers, which he denies as false and politically motivated. Several campaign staffers have left amid these claims. Swalwell's rivals are seizing on the controversy ahead of the June primary.
- Former aide alleges Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice while intoxicated
- Multiple staffers depart Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign
- Swalwell denies allegations, calls them politically motivated
- Democratic rivals criticize Swalwell's response to claims
- Allegations surface as Swalwell leads in California governor polls
Swalwell has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated. 'These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,' he said in a statement. His spokesperson, Micah Beasley, emphasized that no staffers have ever signed nondisclosure agreements or lodged ethics complaints during Swalwell's 13 years in office.
Despite Swalwell’s denials, Democratic rivals and political strategists are seizing on the allegations to undermine his campaign. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa criticized Swalwell for avoiding tough questions about the claims, while former Rep. Katie Porter described the allegations as 'troubling' and expressed support for the accusers.
The controversy comes at a critical time for Swalwell's gubernatorial bid, as he has been leading in recent polls among Democratic candidates. The allegations have also drawn attention to his past associations with controversial figures, including an alleged Chinese spy. As mail-in voting begins on May 4, the fallout from these claims could significantly impact Swalwell’s standing in the race.
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