Swalwell Staffers 'Horrified' by Sexual Assault Allegations
By John doe
More than a dozen staffers working for Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) have released a letter expressing that they were "horrified" by sexual assault allegations brought against the congressman, according to a report from Politico.
The letter, attributed to unnamed staffers from both Swalwell's congressional office and his gubernatorial campaign, states that they stand with their former co-worker and several other women who have come forward with allegations.
Details of the Allegations
A former staffer told the San Francisco Chronicle that Swalwell allegedly sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions. She described an incident where Swalwell, who is married and 17 years her senior, attempted to kiss her in her car after she drove him home from a donor meeting.
On another occasion, she said Swalwell exposed himself and asked her to perform oral sex, which she said she did in a parking lot.
The woman also described a September 2019 incident where she became severely intoxicated after Swalwell invited her for drinks. She said she woke up naked in his hotel bed and believed vaginal intercourse had occurred.
Another alleged incident occurred in April 2024 at a charity gala where Swalwell was honored. The woman, who no longer worked for him at the time, said she became inebriated and remembers pushing Swalwell away while telling him "No" as he allegedly forced himself on her.
Staffers Respond
"As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we're horrified by the recent reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle and by CNN," the staffers wrote. "We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them, too."
The letter continued, "The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians."
The staffers emphasized that any decision to remain in their roles should not be interpreted as support for Swalwell.
Political Fallout
Several prominent Democrats have withdrawn their endorsements of Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign, including Sens. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), along with Reps. Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL). They have called for him to end his campaign.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement saying the woman who "made serious allegations" against the congressman "must be respected and heard."
"This 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."
CNN reported that three other women have also come forward describing various forms of alleged sexual misconduct by Swalwell.
